Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 4

Written Answers. - Departmental Advertising.

Nora Owen

Question:

120 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of advertisements in written media, radio or television since July 1997 that have contained a refer ence to the Minister by name or title; the number he has actually appeared or spoken in; if any instructions have been issued to companies or advertising agencies that when advertising a particular scheme or project sponsored by their Department, the Minister or the Government is to be included; the costs of all such advertisements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16422/01]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

My Department has placed numerous advertisements since July 1997, mainly on foot of statutory notification requirements. Long standing practice, which I have continued during my term as Minister, is to include in such advertisements as appropriate the name and title of the Minister or Minister of State where the function involved has been delegated.

I have no recollection of appearing in or speaking on any advertisements on behalf of my Department which were broadcast on radio or television. There has been a general requirement on local authorities, when advertising on capital projects which received state funding to acknowledge the involvement of my Department and of the EU, as appropriate. This requirement has recently been replaced by a central instruction that the national development plan be acknowledged.

The total advertising expenditure in each year is as follows: July 1997-December 1997, £172,676.71; 1998, £197,910.33; 1999, £120,212.80; 2000, £162,392.98; 2001, to date, £71,424.56.

Other than the foregoing, the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.