Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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314. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming to office; the list of uses of each external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29124/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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In response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that no external public relations firm was availed of by my Department since its formation. However the engagement of all service-providers by my Department is done within the parameters of value for money with every effort made to minimise costs. In line with stated Government policy, all public bodies must use a competitive process for the purchase of any goods and services, whatever the value.

The Office of Public Works, following a public procurement process, engaged Q4 consultants for the public consultation phase of the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme in October 2013 at a cost of €43,750 (exclusive of VAT).