Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the amount spent by his Department on public relations and advertising in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42317/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Social Protection had no expenditure on public relations in the period 2008 – 2010. The Department's press office deals with all media queries and public relations matters.

Advertising for the Department falls under two categories: * Routine newspaper/magazine advertisements to advise the public of office closures, relocations or recruitment. * General advertising to raise awareness of schemes and services including campaigns on radio, television and in the print media. The total amount spent on advertising in the period 2008 to 2010 is outlined in the table below.

I am satisfied that the amount of money spent on public relations and advertising by the Department is closely monitored and is determined by the nature and number of advertising activities undertaken.