Vol. 464 No. 2
23 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total amount of moneys paid since December 1994, for public relations consultancies: if these contracts were given out for public tender; the brief given to the consultancy firms; the recommendations made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7576/96]
119 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has sought professional advice and opinion on his public image as Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry; if these professional advice and opinion contracts went to public tender; the total cost; and if taxpayers money was used to fund these contracts. [7588/96]
I propose to taking Question Nos. 23 and 119 together.
During the period referred to two companies were engaged by my Department to carry out public relations activities.
McMahon Sheedy Communications were engaged to: project the policy of this Department, the Ministers attached to it and of the Government on all aspects of agriculture; liaise with the Department on matters relating to publicity and layout of departmental publications; and advise generally on all aspects of public relations. The total amount paid to McMahon Sheedy Communications Consultants since December, 1994 to date is £27,701.07.
Bill O'Herlihy Communications Group were utilised on a once-off basis in relation to specialist media training at a total cost of £1,550.
Similar arrangements applied in respect of Drury Communications in the period 1992-94 at a cost of £54,676.50.
Sanction was received from the Minister for Finance to engage McMahon Sheedy Communications as public relation consultants and for Bill O'Herlihy Communications on the once-off basis.
