Consultancy Contracts Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2013

Tuesday, 2 July 2013

Ceisteanna (276)

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

276. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the current list of public relations or related consultancy contracts and agreements that the Central Bank of Ireland is currently in or has procured in the last five years, including in recent weeks; if any of these public relations deals regarding media management has been directly or indirectly related to the recent Anglo Irish Bank tapes controversy; the value of these public relations arrangements; the starting date of negotiations and the proposed length of each deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32174/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I am informed by the Central Bank that it does not currently engage nor has it procured any such services over the last five years. In 2011, a one off specific service was provided by an external PR adviser at a cost of €169.40. The Central Bank has also informed me that as part of the National Payments Plan, marketing agencies have been and will be engaged to assist in developing communications plans relating to specific, defined public policy initiatives. These agencies have been and will be selected through competitive tender processes, and the costs of these will be split between the Central Bank, my own Department and industry.