Paul McGrath
Question:228 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Social Welfare the expenditure by his Department on advertisements in national and provincial newspapers for each of the past five years. [3731/97]
Written Answers. - Departmental Costs.
Expenditure by my Department on advertising in both national and provincial newspapers from 1992 to 1996 inclusive was as follows:
|
National Press |
Provincial Press |
Total |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
1992 |
217,280 |
5,878 |
223,158 |
|
1993 |
182,031 |
8,044 |
190,075 |
|
1994 |
145,503 |
40,059 |
185,562 |
|
1995 |
162,537 |
4,150 |
166,687 |
|
1996 |
148,211 |
41,619 |
189,830 |
The increase in advertising in the provincial papers during 1994 was due to a series of new schemes and significant changes to existing schemes introduced i.e. back to work allowance, survivors pensions, PRSI exemption and voluntary and community grants schemes including locally based mens and womens groups and respite care scheme.
In 1996 the Departments regional offices became more active in the assessment of grant applications under the various voluntary and community grants schemes requiring a major promotion of the schemes in local newspapers. Also advertised widely in the national and local newspapers was the disability allowance scheme, the various initiatives under task force for the elderly and the anti-fraud campaign.