Written answers

Thursday, 17 February 2005

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Consultancy Contracts

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number, cost and status of all public relations consultancies, contracts or procurements entered into by or on behalf of her Department or its agents or agencies in the past three years; the terms of reference in each such appointment; the person to whom such persons report and from whom they receive instructions; if any such person or group had any previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties. [5506/05]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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During the past three years, my Department has engaged three public relations companies, as follows. Peter G. White Limited was paid €1,270.50 for the provision of advice on media strategy to the interim chairperson and the chief executive designate of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board prior to its establishment on a statutory basis. No formal terms of reference were drawn up, and the consultancy is now completed.

Caden Communications Limited is retained as communications advisors to the Director of Consumer Affairs. A total of €137,764 was paid to Caden Communications Limited in 2002, 2003 and 2004 for this service. The terms of reference are to provide the Director of Consumer Affairs with ongoing communications advice in addressing current consumer issues in which she and her office are involved. The contract with Caden Communications Limited was renewed in November 2003 following a competitive tendering process involving a number of PR companies. The company reports to, and receives instructions from, the Director of Consumer Affairs.

Following a competitive selection process, Carr Communications was appointed to provide ongoing advice to the Companies Registration Office. Its terms of reference are to provide advice on the Company Registration Office's communications strategy. It also provides training in communications techniques and advise the office in respect of specific communications projects. Since 2002, a total of €93,601.60 has been paid to this company for public relations services. The company reports to the Registrar of Companies.

Public relations consultancies engaged by agencies of my Department are day-to-day matters for those agencies. Previous contracts, commitments or employment with either of the Government parties is not a consideration in tendering process and consequently my Department would not retain specific information in that regard.

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