John Bruton
Ceist:43 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of separate public relations consultants who are currently employed in his Department; and his views on whether this represents a judicious use of taxpayers' funds.
Written Answers. - Public Relations Consultants.
One public relations firm is under contract to my Department. The firm is contracted to carry out a variety of different services including assistance and advice on public relations matters generally.
The only body under my aegis which has contracted public relations consultants is the Office of Public Works which has engaged a company on a specific eight week project to handle the dissemination of information and a public consultation process.
I am satisfied that these services are necessary and that the contracts are the most practical and cost effective manner for meeting the requirements.