PRII OFFERS A CERTIFICATE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN JUST 4 DAYS

2016 will see dramatic changes in Ireland’s Public Affairs landscape. There will be a new Dáil elected this Spring with a new Government appointed, while the first returns were made in January under the Regulation of Lobbying Act adopted in 2015. Those working in Public Affairs will be exposed to an unprecedented level of scrutiny and transparency.

Recognizing that while engaging with the Public Affairs arena is a key part of a large number of communications professionals’ day to day jobs and that it can be difficult to ensure that engagements in this area are appropriately and effectively targeted, the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) has developed an Institute-accredited Certificate in Public Affairs.

The programme, uniquely designed for communication specialists claims that ‘it will equip professionals with the insight and practical knowledge they need to effectively and successfully engage with Irish governmental and political arena…. as well as guide them on how to appropriately target their interventions at both local and national government level’

Format of the Course

The course is a combination of classroom time (9.30am-4.30pm over four full days), home study and examination by written assessment. Classroom sessions are intensive and participative and include a variety of approaches including lectures, group discussions and practical exercises. Designed to be highly interactive, participants are encouraged to share their experiences and question presenters and guest speakers.

Course Modules

Module 1 & 2

• Overview of the Public Affairs arena in Ireland
• Overview of who does what in Irish politics and government at local and national level
• The legislative environment in which Public Affairs Practitioners operate (Freedom of Information, Ethics Legislation)
• Understanding and complying with the Regulation of Lobbying Act

Module 3

• Overview of national government and the civil service
• Understanding what ministers and civil servants do
• How the Public Policy Process works

Module 4

• Overview of the Oireachtas
• How it works in theory and practice
• Parliamentary parties; backbenchers; committees; parliamentary questions; topical issues
• How to interact and engage effectively

Module 5

• The structure of local authorities; recent changes; the role of the County Chief Executive and elected members
• The planning process and dealing with a local authority

Module 6

• The Budget- a detailed guide to the process
• Case study of a budget campaign

Module 7

• Overview of other state bodies (state agencies and semi-state companies); how they interact with each other and the public; and how to interact with them
• Public consultations
• The European context

Module 8

• Major case study of a campaign that covered local and national government

Course materials

In addition to comprehensive course notes, delegates will be provided with relevant core reading material to supplement their learnings

Assessment Procedure

Assessment is by way of attendance and the submission of a 3,000 word project. The assignment will be focused on applying the learnings from the course to practical issues in Public Affairs

Fees

Course fees are € 1,560 for PRII members and € 1,890 for non-members. Fees include course materials, teas/coffees and lunches, in addition to the final examination and issuing of certificates. Delegates are responsible for their own travel arrangements as well as overnight accommodation and evening meals, if required.