Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 792: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details and costs of a tender recently awarded to a public relations company to provide information about the workings of the European Union in advance of the Lisbon treaty referendum. [31623/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A request for tenders was published on 17 April for the provision of project management and consultancy services to advise and assist the Department of Foreign Affairs in the planning and execution of a public information campaign to inform and promote awareness of the European Union and Ireland's membership of the European Union. Deepening public understanding of the EU and maximising public awareness of Ireland's role in the Union is an ongoing strategic priority for my Department.

The deadline for submission of tenders was 11 May 2009. Fourteen tenders were received and detailed consideration was given to these tenders in accordance with the normal public procurement rules and with a view to ensuring value for money. It was decided on 22 May to award the contract to Language Communications Ltd. The contract value was €564,922.00, inclusive of VAT. The bulk of that amount was allocated to cover the cost of advertising in a range of local and national media. The contract was signed on 19 June 2009.