I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department, as currently configured, was established on 2 June 2011 and therefore the available information is being provided from that date. The total amount spent by my Department on public relations companies from 2 June 2011 to 13 December 2011 is €162,301 and this expenditure was incurred in relation to Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland’s year-long programme of events in America during 2011.
With regard to advertising, I am advised that my Department spent €226,873 on advertising for official purposes during the same period.