Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 June 2017
242. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount spent by his Department and State agencies under his aegis on outside contract or third-party public relations advice and training in past three years to date in 2017, by year and company engaged, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29227/17]
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 to address specific issues as they arise. The Department therefore necessarily incurs some expenditure on public relations and associated training from time to time.
In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary.
The information which the Deputy requested is outlined in tabular format:
The information requested regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information sought in respect of their organisation.
