The Dublin City Council press office has defended its use of female models to promote council projects, on the basis that tabloid newspapers would not cover the event if models were not present.
In a letter to councillors, press officer Alan Breen also said using models was an economical way of getting the council's messages across as they cost only €150 each per session.
The letter was sent in response to a request from the council's protocol committee that the press office develop an "equality policy" regarding its public relations launches.
The request was made following the use of female models to promote council events unconnected to the fashion or glamour industries.
In April two young women wearing short denim skirts and tight vests were hired by the council to pose, holding a large pipe, alongside Minister for the Environment Dick Roche, to publicise the council's water mains replacement programme.
A few days later the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Vincent Jackson, posed with lingerie model Katy French to promote the launch of the city's new eco-friendly taxi service.
Councillors, who are members of the protocol committee, had criticised the use of models in this way.
However, Mr Breen has recommended that their use be continued where "appropriate".
"The use of models is well established as an effective means of attracting positive and worthwhile media coverage.
He added that a newspaper advertisement would cost the council around €1,300, which was substantially more than a model would be paid.
