Vol. 543 No. 2
857 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Education and Science the public relations or advertising campaigns which have been funded, or part funded by his Department since June 1997, which involve the personal appearance of the Minister or Ministers of State on television, radio or in newspapers; the cost of any such campaigns; if any such campaigns are planned for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26813/01]
From 1997 to 2000 a public relations firm was employed by my Department to run a teleservice awareness campaign (special PLC course). A sum of £141,000 was paid to them. In May 1999 an advertising campaign encouraging young people to vote in both European and local elections was undertaken by this Department. The Minister of State with responsibility for youth affairs, Deputy O'Dea, made personal appearances on TV and Radio. Advertisements were placed in newspapers. The approximate cost for this campaign was £63,000. There are no plans for further campaigns at present.
