Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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532. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the costs incurred by his Department and bodies under its aegis from contracts awarded to communications and PR firms in 2024; the name of the contractor and a description of the work undertaken in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32643/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Press and public relations functions are generally undertaken by my Department's Press Office and Communications Unit. My Department has not had any contracts with public relations agencies or consultants to assist with Department public relations in 2024.

Separately, Met Éireann, which is currently a line division of my Department, engaged MKC Communications, last year at a cost of €100,206.38 including VAT - to advise the Irish Meteorological Service on communication issues including the development of digital material for met.ie, support with public and media campaigns, support with stakeholders engagement events and support on the development of communication and social media strategies.

The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table: