Vol. 457 No. 8
157 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will give a breakdown of the number of personnel in his Department and private firms contracted for public relations/media advice; the names and costs paid to private firms and consultants; the total cost incurred since his appointment; the total cost incurred by the Minister of State at his Department; if this expenditure went out for tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16353/95]
Since taking office I have engaged the services of one public relations firm, Heneghan Public Relations Consultants. The cost incurred in this regard was £800. As this sum falls below the threshold with regard to Government tendering procedures, no tenders were sought. There was no expenditure by either of the Ministers of State at my Department with regard to public relations/media advice.
158 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give a breakdown of the number of personnel in his Department and private firms contracted for public relations/media advice; the names and costs paid to private firms and consultants; the total cost incurred since his appointment; the total cost incurred by the Minister of State at his Department; if this expenditure went out for tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16354/95]
Three officers of my Department, on a day to day basis, as part of their duties on behalf of my office, the office of the Minister of State at my Department and my Department deal with public relations/media advice. As part of their remit, they deal with all national daily newspapers, over 50 provincial newspapers and magazines, RTE television and radio, 20 local radio stations and all foreign journalists. In addition, these officers make the arrangements for speeches and briefs, the publication of my Department's report and booklets and queries from the general public.
From time to time, my Department receives assistance from two persons working a part-time basis on a number of specific projects from McMahon Sheedy Communications. A total of £19,270.85 has been paid to this firm since my appointment. A total of £25,621.75 was paid in 1994 to Drury Communications Ltd. Sanction was received from the Minister for Finance to engage McMahon Sheedy Communications Limited as public relation consultants.
