Department of Taoiseach forks out €130k for ‘spin’ survey
THE Taoiseach’s department has pumped €130,000 of taxpayer funds into a survey that has been described as ‘another example of spin trumping substance’.
The study, by the Dublinbased firm Behaviour & Attitudes Marketing Research, will try to find out how best the Government can communicate with its citizens.
However, the contract is in addition to an extensive internal audit of all current Government communications that is under way. And while the Department of the Taoiseach defended the spending, saying the research has the aim of learning more about public awareness and understanding of State services, Fianna Fáil TD, Timmy Dooley said: ‘Far too much effort and taxpayers’ money is being channelled into burnishing individual ministers’ images and reputations.
‘With the health system in chaos and unprecedented numbers of our children homeless, it is time ministers worried less about their image and more time doing what they are being paid to do.’
Mr Dooley added: ‘Coming on top of the revelation that a new “Central Spin Unit” has been created to try and control what is said about the Government, it is a pattern that will trouble those who care more about what the Government does than what it says.’
A spokesman for the Department of the Taoiseach said yesterday: ‘The research will explore the public’s perception of the services provided by the State, their knowledge of the range and quality of those services and what the role of Government should be in their lives, with a view to helping the State communicate more effectively with citizens.’
He said: ‘This is in line with international best practice. Other States who have undertaken similar work include the UK, the Netherlands and New Zealand. As the Taoiseach has said on a number of occasions, the research will be published when completed and will inform the future output of State communications.’
The spokesman continued: ‘Citizens have a right to know what the State is doing and why. The Strategic Communispent cations Unit was established earlier this year to bring that consistency, clarity and professionalism to all State communications.’
He said: ‘The unit’s work is informed by major State initiatives that have an impact on the lives of our citizens. Its focus is to streamline communications by working with other departments to deliver major State campaigns.
‘This will lead to more co-ordinated and cost-effective communications that will generate efficiencies and increased value for money.’ Comment – Page 12
news@dailymail.ie
‘In line with best practice’