Public Relations Contracts Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2015

Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Questions (782)

Barry Cowen

Question:

782. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form, by year, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming into office; if he will provide the list of uses of the external public relations firm and the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23435/15]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department has not engaged any external public relations firms since my coming into office. In relation to my Department’s policy for the engagement of external expertise, this is generally only considered where the issues involved require expert skills or capabilities that are not readily available within my Department.