Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 4

Written Answers. - Departmental Advertising.

Nora Owen

Question:

152 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the number of advertisements in written media, radio or television since July 1997 that have contained a reference 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. [16426/01]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

As Minister with responsibility for the annual sports capital programme, my title has been used in the public advertisements announcing the annual rounds of funding for the programme, which is the only funding programme operated directly by my Department, and both my name and title were used in the advertisement placed in 1998 announcing a review of that programme. The cost of advertisements in respect of the sports capital programme since I took office amounted to £41,000 approximately, including the cost of advertisements for the 2001 round of funding.

I have not appeared or spoken in any advertisements nor have I issued specific instructions to companies or advertising agencies that I or the Government should be included in advertisements relating to any schemes or projects oper ated by the agencies under the aegis of my Department.

I did allow the use of my name and title by Bord Fáilte in recent press advertising as part of the Bord's foot and mouth reassurance campaign in Britain.