PR guidelines to be introduced immediately

New guidelines on the awarding of government PR contracts are to be implemented immediately in the wake of the recent Monica Leech controversy.

The guidelines have been drawn up following the controversy surrounding the awarding of PR contracts to Ms Leech.

An investigation by former Revenue chairman Dermot Quigley has cleared Minister Martin Cullen of any impropriety in the awarding of contracts to Ms Leech.

Mr Quigley did, however, recommend procedural changes to prevent future perceptions of favouritism. Government sources have now indicated that such changes will be implemented immediately.