Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2006
278 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the value of advertising placed in national newspapers in 2005; the newspapers and the amount received for each of the past five years; and if the placing of official notices and departmental advertisements are subject to a tendering process. [7692/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total expenditure on print advertising at the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2005, including Vote 28, Foreign Affairs, and Vote 29, International Cooperation, was €242,675. This amount includes advertising in national newspapers, as well as in other print media.
In the timeframe available, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a detailed breakdown of the amounts paid to particular newspapers over a five year period. The Department uses a wide range of national newspapers, both daily and Sunday publications. The choice of particular newspapers to be selected on each occasion is dependent on a number of factors, including the specific context and subject matter, the target audience and, of course, value for money considerations.
Advertising undertaken by the Department typically includes advisory notices on public opening hours over holiday periods, changes in passport application procedures and fees, employment opportunities that arise in the Department from time to time, as well as public information notices relating to developments in the European Union or in regard to Ireland's official development aid programme.
The placing of official notices and departmental advertisements is the subject of tender arrangements organised for all Departments by the Government Supplies Agency. The firm which holds the current contract is Brindley Advertising Limited.
