Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2015
608. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his Department's use of external public relations firms since he came into office by year and in tabular form; the uses of these firms and the policy regarding employing them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43643/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Departmental remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy and public broadcasting, and regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the technical complexity, economic significance and community interest in these areas, there is a requirement to disseminate information and address specific issues as they arise. The Department, therefore, necessarily incurs some expenditure on public relations from time to time. In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and to keep expenditure to the minimum necessary.
The information which the Deputy requested is outlined in the following table:
|
Company |
Amount Spent on Public Relations |
Purpose of Consultancy |
||||
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 (to date) |
||
|
Morrow Communications Ltd |
€40,514 |
€19,538 |
€18,318 |
€28,221 |
€44,415 |
Provision of services in relation to outreach in rural communities with respect to a geophysical and geochemical soil survey using low flying aircraft . |
|
Murray Consultants |
€8,349 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
Media Services to the Department. |
|
McConnells Advertising Agency |
€32,670 |
€86,933 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
Public information campaign on the Digital Switchover. |
|
Communications Consultants Ireland |
n/a |
n/a |
€1,797 |
n/a |
n/a |
Management of two Public Information Meetings on new Inland Fisheries Legislation |
|
TOTAL |
€81,533 |
€106,471 |
€20,115 |
€28,221 |
€44,415 |
