Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

49 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total moneys expended by her Department or any office under the aegis of her Department in respect of public relations costs in the past three years; the public relations firms involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30349/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

Since becoming Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in June 1997, I have not engaged any public relations firms to undertake public relations work on my behalf.

Moneys have, however, been expended in respect of public relations in the past three years by two of the offices under the aegis of my Department as follows:

Office Competition Authority

Date paid	Name	Amount
November 2000	Cathy Young	£1,944.80
November 2000	Wall2Wall	£9,133.56

Director of Consumer Affairs

Year	Name	Amount
1999	Caden Communications(formerly Radio Centre)	£10,073.25
2000	Caden Communications(formerly Radio Centre)	£12,584.00

In regard to the agencies under the aegis of my Department, Forfás, IDA Ireland, FÁS, Enterprise Ireland, SFADCo, HSA and NSAI, expenditure on public relations is a day-to-day matter for the agencies themselves.