Consultancy Contracts.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2006

Thursday, 2 February 2006

Ceisteanna (142)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of occasions on which he has sought advice from public relations consultancy firms or individuals, media advisers or other non-established civil servants in the past three years; if such advisers are retained on a permanent or per diem basis or otherwise; if such persons have had previous experience with Departments or subsidiary bodies; the rate and basis of remuneration in each case; the departmental headings from which payments were made; the extent to which payments were made under the heading miscellaneous; if reference will be made to same in the case of each Minister of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3783/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

During my time as Minister for Transport, I have not sought such advice. I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 113, answered on 17 February 2005. The Department has, on limited occasions, employed outside professional public relations advice. Tony O'Brien Communications was employed in 2004 to assist the Department with media relations and was paid a fee of approximately €6,000. Laurie Cearr Associates was employed by the Department for the organisation and management of public relations activities and other work in 2002 and in 2004 and was paid approximately €15,000 in total.