I propose to take Questions Nos. 917, 919, 920 and 923 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department, as currently configured, was established on 2 June 2011 and therefore the available information is being provided from that date.
With regard to external public relations, expenditure of €201,306.67 was incurred by Culture Ireland - which has responsibility for promoting Irish arts and artists overseas - from 2 June 2011 to date. The details of this expenditure are set out in Table 1. Other than this, there was no expenditure by my Department on external public relations and communications consultants.
I am also advised that €41,557 was spent by my Department on consultancies during this timeframe. The details of this expenditure are set out in Table 2. It may be noted that there was no relevant expenditure from Ministerial allowances and contracts for the provision of services are not included.
Table 1: Expenditure on External Public Relations
Name of company
|
Service provided
|
Total amount paid since 2 June 2011
|
Arts and Culture Network Inc
|
Advertising campaign for Bloomsday as part of Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland's year-long programme of events in the USA during 2011.
|
€113,737
|
Zoetrope
|
Press and publicity services for Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland's year-long programme of events in the USA during 2011 and for the update of the Imagine Ireland website.
|
€87,569.67
|
Table 2: Expenditure on Consultancy
Name of company
|
Service provided
|
Total amount paid since 2 June 2011
|
University of Birmingham
|
Research services for a Bord na Móna Peatlands Survey
|
€28,378
|
Avia Solutions
|
Review of financial submissions relating to Aran Island PSO contract
|
€6,300
|
Dr Evelyn Moorkens, Environmental Consultant
|
Advice on strategic approach to Margaritifera conservation
|
€1,929
|
Bonnar Keenlyside
|
Review of Dublin Contemporary 2011
|
€4,950
|