Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost of public advertising funded by his Department in 2009; the breakdown between statutory and non-statutory; the corresponding figure for each agency under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28421/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Advertising undertaken by my Department typically includes; advisory notices on public opening hours over holiday periods, changes in passport application procedures and fees, and public information notices relating to significant developments in the European Union or in regard to Ireland's Official Development Assistance programme, Irish Aid.

While much of this material is now placed on the Department's website, a certain level of advertising continues to be necessary in order to reach all of our customers, particularly in relation to important passport and consular services.

The following table give the details of such advertising both statutory and non-statutory, under Votes 28 (Foreign Affairs) and 29 (International cooperation) for 2009 to date.

The statutory advertising in question relates to advertising in the Iris Oifigiúil.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 347: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent by his Department on legal fees directly to lawyers or through the State Solicitor's office for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28469/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Government Departments do not pay for the legal services provided by the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitors Office or for advice from Counsel briefed by them.

My Department has a Legal Division, staffed by qualified legal professionals who provide legal advice on a wide range of international legal issues. Having such 'in-house' legal experts reduces the costs which would be incurred if the Department was to engage externally for all of its legal services.

The costs for engaging external legal services in Ireland and overseas, for the period requested, is set out in tabular form.