Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has availed of or is availing of the services of a public relations company for Government or constituency business; if the bills for the services provided are paid for by the Houses of the Oireachtas; if any such company is in receipt of a retention fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23504/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Defence availed in 2007 and 2008 of the services of Murray Consultants for the Public Information and Awareness Campaign on Emergency Planning. Murray Consultants were awarded the PR contract for the campaign following and EU wide tender process. In April 2008, An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., launched this Campaign National Emergency Coordination Centre. The main focus of the campaign was the publication and distribution of a handbook – 'Preparing for Major Emergencies'.

The handbook was distributed to every household in the country and an advertisement campaign was undertaken to let people know that it was on the way and to encourage everyone to read it. Advertisements were placed in the print media, on radio and on outdoor billboards.

The costs outlined as follows include the cost of design, printing and distribution of 1.8 million handbooks and the associated media advertising costs and other support costs. It also includes the cost of designing the website www.emergencyplanning.ie

Murray Consultants have never worked for me on constituency or other business. At this time the Department has no contract with any other public relations company.

I opted for the fully vouched system under the Special Secretarial and General Purpose Parliamentary Allowance Scheme. Research and public relations services are provided to me by Mr. Mark Dunphy, Dunphy Public Relations, Connolly, Ennis, Co. Clare mainly in relation to non-Departmental, constituency or parliamentary duties. I understand that there is no provision for a retention fee under this scheme (SI 84/2010)