Departmental Expenditure.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 July 2006

Wednesday, 5 July 2006

Questions (530, 531)

Michael Ring

Question:

537 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount which was spent in his Department for the years 2005 and from January 2006 to date for media purposes or advertising; where the money was spent, that is, national papers, provincial papers, RTÉ radio, local radios and so on; the amounts spent on a yearly basis for years of the pervious three years; if money was spent on videos, for promotional, educational or advertising purposes. [27971/06]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

555 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total amount spent by his Department in terms of advertising in newspapers, magazines and electronic media in respect of each year since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27040/06]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 555 together.

The amount spent by my Department on advertising in 2002 and 2003 is €1,633,297 and €2,230,831 respectively. The information in relation to the period since 2003 is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible. Expenditure was incurred on statutory notification requirements and a range of advertising campaigns to highlight issues of relevance to my Department. Expenditure was spread across the whole media spectrum including Iris Oifigiúil, television, local radio, national and provincial papers, other local publications as well as cinema advertising and billboard poster campaigns.

The Department also funds the operations of ENFO — the environmental information service. ENFO provides an authoritative source of factual information on the environment and sustainable life styles. This is achieved, inter alia, through providing access to a drop-in centre, library, exhibitions, leaflets, CDs and videos.