Phil Hogan
Ceist:190 Mr. Hogan asked the Taoiseach the total expenditure in 2002 which was spent on public relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15662/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.
There are no public relations staff in the Department. However, personnel involved in media matters in my Department include the Government press secretary, the deputy press secretary, four Government press officers, a press and information officer and four clerical staff. The total cost for these personnel in 2002 was €480,745.
The National Forum on Europe, which comes under the auspices of this Department, employs two media officers on a per diem basis as and when required. One of the officers is also responsible for the ongoing updating and development of the forum's website. The cost incurred for these services in 2002 was €59,830. There was no other expenditure on public relations by my Department in 2002.