Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
348. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will detail, in tabular form, the names of all external public relations, communications consultants and organisations used by organisations or agencies within the remit of his Department since 9 March 2011; the details of the services supplied by each; the expenditure on each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34694/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of agencies is not held centrally by my Department. The awarding of contracts, the expenditure incurred, and the procurement arrangements by agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the agencies themselves. If the Deputy has an interest in a particular agency then officials in my Department will request the agency concerned to provide the relevant information in so far as it is possible. All bodies under the aegis of my Department are aware of the need to achieve value for money while conducting procurement. The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies outlines the responsibilities of state bodies in this regard and my Department regularly updates the aegis bodies on developments in relation to public procurement policy and practices. For the Deputy's information details of agencies within the remit of my Department can be downloaded from the Department's website - this information is updated when any relevant changes occur - at http://www.education.ie.
