Peadar Tóibín
Question:
273. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has spent money or sought external assistance with departmental or ministerial public relations; if so, the cost; and the name of the agencies, consultants and companies involved in each of the past ten years and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [5370/24]
View answer
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
Press and public relations functions are generally undertaken by my Department's Press Office and Communications Unit. I understand my Department has not had any contracts with public relations agencies or consultants to assist with Department or Ministerial public relations over the time period specified.
The engagement of external expertise is only considered where the issues involved require expert skills or capabilities that are not readily available within my Department.
Separately, Met Éireann, which is a line division of my Department, hired MKC Communications, last year on a 12 month contract (worth € 68,000) to advise the Irish Meteorological Service on communication issues. The company is supporting Met Éireann with the development of a public communications strategy and yearly implementation plans.
