Vol. 534 No. 4
175 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the total amount of money paid by his Department, including payment in respect of Ministers of State, in respect of public relations consultancy work undertaken by private sector public relations consultancy firms each year for the years 1998, 1999 and 2000. [10893/01]
My Department does not engage the services of public relations specialists. However, the Department regularly engages in a variety of advertising and publicity through national, provincial and local media to highlight developments in the social welfare system, including the introduction of new schemes and improvements to existing schemes. Other forms of publicity and advertising include information campaigns, participation in events and exhibitions and the design and printing of information leaflets.
All media matters of this nature are handled by the Department's internal press and information services which retain, where necessary, professional services such as graphic design, the placement of media advertisements, staff training and photography services for certain public events, etc.
