My Department has not engaged the services of public relations specialists during the period in question.
The Department does, however, regularly engage in a variety of advertising and publicity through national, provincial and local media in order to highlight developments in the social welfare system, including the introduction of new schemes and improvements to existing schemes. Other forms of publicity and advertising include information campaigns, participation in events and exhibitions and the design and printing of information leaflets.
All media matters of this nature are handled by the Department's internal press and information service which retains professional services for items such as graphic design, placement of media advertisements, staff training and photography services for certain public events etc.
Details of moneys expended by offices under the aegis of my Department in respect of public relations costs in the last three years are as follows: