Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 January 2015
669. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department per annum in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014; a list of uses of the external public relations firm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1447/15]
View answerAs indicated on 18 December last, between March 2011 and July 2014, the Department did not spend any money on PR or communications consultants. The Department does not generally use their services. The Press and Communications Office in the Department liaises with the media on my behalf, the Minister of State and the Department. I will revert to the Deputy with details should there be any such expenditure since July 2014.
The Department's policy on engaging external consultants is to only so do where it is felt to be appropriate and cost effective, taking into account Government policy and Government decisions.
