Phil Hogan
Question:298 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total expenditure in 2002 on public relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15667/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.
There was no expenditure on public relations in 2002 by the Department of Foreign Affairs. However, as I have indicated in replies to recent questions, expenditure by the Department of Foreign Affairs on media advertising in 2002 was €251,605.51.
This expenditure took place as a result of this Department's commitment to provide a high quality customer service and also to increase public awareness of international issues such as Irelands relationship with the European Union and our growing development programme. The Department's press section is the primary interface with the public and the media. There are no staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs employed solely for public relations work.
I have attached for the Deputy's information, a copy of my response to a recent PQ outlining some of the matters covered by this expenditure. In response to Question No. 116 of 13 February 2003 I outlined some of the matters covered by this expenditure.