Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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303. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form, broken down by year, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming into office; if he will provide the list of uses of the external public relations firms, and internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23441/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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In response to the Deputy's question, I can confirm that with the exception of the Office of Public Works, the services of a public relations firm have not been engaged by my Department since its formation in 2011.  The appointment of service providers by my Department operates within the parameters of value for money and where possible every effort is 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.

I understand the Office of Public Works will contact the Deputy directly regarding this matter.