Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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639. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of expenditure by his Department or organisations under the aegis of his Department for each of the past five years on photography, advertising, communications advice, public relations, website development, media interview training and preparation; the events, campaigns or policies to which this expenditure related; the company or person to which such payments were made, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32647/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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My Departmental remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy and public service broadcasting, and regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the technical complexity, economic significance and community interest in these areas, there is a requirement to disseminate information and to address specific issues as they arise. The Department therefore necessarily incurs some expenditure on public relations, advertising, photography, communications advice, website development and associated media interview training from time to time.

In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary.

The information requested regarding agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information sought in respect of their organisation.

The information which the Deputy requested relating to my Department is outlined in tabular format as follows: