My Department generally does not employ external public relations firms. Public relations advice is provided by my Department’s Press Office.
In April of this year, the services of "All Good Tales", a public relations company, was used to provide training for staff members for the National Animal Surveillance Programme. The cost of this training was €5,965.
Also this year, my Department ran four public information campaigns during which the services of an advertising agency "Mediavest Limited" were used. Mediavest currently holds the central Government contract for the provision of the majority of advertising needs. The expenditure for the 4 public information campaigns is set out below.
- Farm Hazardous Waste Campaign.......€7,380
- Campaign encouraging Basic Payment Scheme Applicants Online .......€28,443
- Campaign providing Biosecurity Advice to Backyard Flock Owners during the Avian Influenza Outbreak......... €22,508
- Campaign informing applicants of the Afforestation Programme of New Tree Felling Requirements..........€17,408.