Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 4

Written Answers. - Departmental Advertising.

Nora Owen

Question:

73 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Defence 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 in which he has appeared or spoken; if 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. [16418/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

A total of 39 newspaper advertisements placed by my Department since July 1997 contained a reference to the Minister for Defence by title. These advertisements were invitations to tender for services to the Department in relation to the sale of property and the references to the Minister for Defence were in respect of the Minister's obligations not to accept either the higher or lowest tender received. The cost of these advertisements was £25,764.21. No advertisements have contained a reference to the Minister by name or have instructions of the type referred to by the Deputy being issued.