Spending on sponsorship in Ireland will reach almost £40 million in 1999, according to a survey carried out by Sponsorship Strategies, a subsidiary of Amarach Consulting. This compares with an estimated £35 million for this year.

Education is the preferred medium for sponsorships, the survey found. This is followed by charities, arts, sports, broadcast and the Internet. "Nearly nine in 10 people agree that sponsorship provides vital funds to organisations and events," said Mr John Trainor, senior research consultant with Sponsorship Strategies.