Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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332. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs 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 the external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49151/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I assumed office as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in July 2014. Since then, no external public relations firms have been employed by my Department.

With regard to my Department's internal policy on external groups providing public relations services, such groups are hired as needs arise, where it is felt their professional expertise can be of assistance to my Department.