I would like to inform the Deputy there are four agencies which are funded by the Exchequer through my Department's Vote. These are the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI); the Family Support Agency (FSA); the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) and the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO). With effect from 1 January 2012, I have taken responsibility for the Children Detention Schools as provided in Part 10 of the Children Act 2001.
I can confirm that during the period in question, the FSA, AAI and the Children Detention Schools did not use external public relations or communications services. The Ombudsman for Children has confirmed that she will respond directly to the Deputy on the matter.
In relation to the NEWB, I have set out in tabular format the information as requested by the Deputy.
National Educational Welfare Board
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|
Company name
|
Date
|
Services Supplied
|
Expenditure
|
External Public Relations
|
Avanti PR: Ms Deirdre Walsh
|
19/08/2011
|
Copywriting/editing
and media issue management
|
€2,858.62
|
External Public Relations
|
Brendan Bracken Public Relations: Mr. Brendan Bracken
|
30/09/2011
|
Media issue management
|
€484.00
|
External Public Relations
|
Brendan Bracken Public Relations: Mr. Brendan Bracken
|
21/03/2013
|
Media issue management
|
€799.50
|
Communications Consultants
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|