I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 172 together.
In response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that, with the exception of the Office of Public Works, no external public relations firm was availed of by my Department since its formation. However the engagement of all service-providers by my Department is done within the parameters of value for money with every effort made to minimise costs. In line with stated Government policy, all public bodies must use a competitive process for the purchase of any goods and services, whatever the value.
The following table is a list of external public relations firms employed by the Office of Public Works from 2011:
Year
|
Company Name
|
Reason
|
Amount
€
|
2013
|
Q4 consultants
|
National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM)
|
43,750.00
|
2014
|
Presence Communications
|
PR work relating to work on behalf of Castletown House & Demesne.
|
8,065.00
|
=
|
=
|
Total
|
51,815.00
|