Vol. 402 No. 8
8 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Labour if he will give details of any special public relations expertise hired or used by him; the names of the persons and companies concerned; whether they are remunerated directly by his Department; if not, the method by which they are remunerated; and the amount of the remuneration.
I have not hired or used any special public relations expertise in my capacity as Minister for Labour.
Would the Minister confirm if his Department have hired any firm to do the work outlined in the question?
In my experience the Department of Labour must be one of the best Departments when it comes to not having to hire outside expertise——
What about the hair cut?
I am afraid I have to pay for the hair cut out of my own pocket.
The Minister is to be congratulated.
Thank you very much.
At least he has the option.
Unfortunately, I am not known for getting my hair done too often so it seems to attract much notice when I do get it cut.
Question No. 9, please.
We only spend money on the annual report which is the main publication we spend money on.
Apparently, we all have a special interest in the Minister's public relations team and in the cost involved. With respect unfortunately, the Minister did not answer the question as posed. I will ask him again to state the name of his public relations team and the cost involved because he should not be ashamed of them. They are doing a good job and, apart from a few slip ups, they were an excellent team during the presidential election campaign.
I thank the Deputy for his compliment but let me assure him that no matter which way it is read the Department of Labour do not spend a great deal of money other than on some art work. Last year they spent about £1,000 in total and I was not the subject of the art work.
A final question from Deputy John Browne.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): Is it possible for the Minister, without the aid of a public relations company to tell us, day after day, that despite emigration, unemployment is falling?
Without the aid of anyone other than my good self and my good civil servants.
