Vol. 545 No. 4
315 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the cost of his recent campaign in the media to highlight the introduction of the euro and its implications for social welfare recipients; the newspapers which were used in the campaign both local and national; the advertising agency which gave advice to his Department in relation to this campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30487/01]
The recent media campaign undertaken by my Department in relation to the introduction of the euro comprises an advertorial which featured in the print media and a television and radio commercial which is currently running. The advertorial campaign cost approximately £130,000 and was carried in the following newspapers: Sunday Tribune, Sunday Independent, Sunday World, Sunday Mirror, News of the World, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Star and Sun. The cost of the television and radio campaign is approximately £108,000. The contract for this campaign was awarded to Bates Ireland Limited following a competitive tendering process.
The introduction of the new currency presents my Department with the major challenge of informing customers of the implications of the change. While no social welfare recipient will lose out financially when the change over occurs on 1 January next, it is necessary to ensure that all customers are aware of the change over and how it will be reflected in their payment. My Department has been working very closely with the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland to ensure that people receive as much information as possible to help them with the transition to the euro.
