Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
464. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the communications, press and public relations budget allocated to his Department for 2018; the way in which it is being spent; if it is behind or ahead of profile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39364/18]
View answerThe Press and Communications Office in my Department is the primary point of contact between the Department and members of the media, as well as members of the general public. The office is responsible for communicating with media and members of the public regarding the work of the Minister, the Minister of State and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Department's social media presence is also managed by the Press and Communications Office.
My Department has a budget of €270,000 for communications, advertising, press and public relations. The vast bulk of my Department's advertising is in respect of press notices in the specialised farming press, provincial and national newspapers. This expenditure includes the publication of Statutory Notices that are required to comply with various national and EU legislative requirements. Decisions on the placement of notices are made on a case by case basis, depending on the nature of the advertisement and the target audience.
To date, almost €137,500 has been spent and I expect the remainder will be spent by year end.
