Written answers
Thursday, 7 July 2016
Department of Finance
Public Relations Contracts Data
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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99. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide a list, broken down per annum, on the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming into office, in tabular form; the external public relations firm used; to outline the internal departmental policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20391/16]
Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring solely to external public relations and not to advertising that would be incurred by my Department in the normal course of business, such as entries into telephone directories, the placing of advertisements in national newspapers, recruitment advertising, etc.
No new Public Relations firms have been employed in my Department since my coming into office in May 2016. However, an ongoing contract which commenced in October 2015 is currently drawing to a close, details below:
| Year | Use of external Public Relations Firms | Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 - 2016 | Following a Government decision in May 2015, Carr Communications were engaged to provide public relations consultancy expertise and work with stakeholder Departments and agencies on the development of a communications campaign to encourage greater engagement of borrowers in mortgage arrears. | Carr Communications was the successful tenderer following a public procurement exercise. |
The Department's policy regarding employing external groups is to follow the relevant public procurement rules and procedures.
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