Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.

Dan Boyle

Question:

157 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether his Department's share of the more than ?10 million spent by Government Departments in 2002 on public relations, marketing and advertising represents best value for money; and the plans which exist to reduce spending in this area. [14671/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

Expenditure by the Department of Foreign Affairs on media advertising in 2002 was €251,605.51. A breakdown of this figure was provided in my response to Question No. 115 of 13 February, 2003. All media and advertising related expenditure took place as a result of this Department's commitment to provide a high quality customer service and to increase public awareness and information regarding international issues such as the Ireland's interaction with the European Union and our growing development programme.

In line with the recommendations of an independent review of Ireland's overseas development programme, Ireland Aid is seeking to promote greater public awareness of the development programme. One example of this was the initiation of a campaign in December, 2002 to promote awareness of the impact of the HIV-AIDS epidemic in developing countries and the important role of donors, such as Ireland Aid, in helping to combat the crisis. As well as encouraging greater public ownership of one of the most significant areas of public spending the raising of public awareness is also an important factor in enhancing accountability to the general public of a growing aid budget.

There are no staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs employed solely for public relations work. The Department's press section is the Department's primary interface with the public and the media.

Every effort is made to ensure maximum value for money. Expenditure in these areas is closely monitored and tendering processes will continue to be observed. Publications will be available on line on the Department's website, thereby reducing publication costs. Every effort is made to ensure maximum value for money. Expenditure in these areas is closely monitored and tendering processes will continue to be observed. Publications will be available on line on the Department's website, thereby reducing publication costs. I am satisfied that the expenditure undertaken by my Department in this area represents best value for money