Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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72. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he, his special advisory teams, or senior officials have consulted with, received briefings or sought advice from an external communications expert or communications consultancy company, or a public relations or public affairs company, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; the costs associated with those interactions; the names of those that have been engaged with; the subject matter or topics the engagements related to, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39128/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In June of this year, the Department of Defence sought a request for tender for the engagement of external communications’ consultants to assist in the completion of a comprehensive Communications Strategy. The development of a comprehensive Communications Strategy was a specific recommendation of my Department’s Organisational Capability Review in 2022.

Following a detailed assessment of the responses received, 360 FINN Partners were awarded the contract. This Strategy is being written by Department of Defence officials only, and my Officials are the only recipients of this advice. The final costs associated have yet to be determined as the work is ongoing, however I do not envisage this contract being in excess of €25,000. My Department will write to the Deputy with a breakdown once this work is completed and billed.

I can confirm that there are no other instances, during period 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 of myself, or my special advisory teams, or senior officials consulting with or receiving briefings or advice from an external communications expert or communications consultancy company.