asked the Taoiseach the number of additional staff appointed in his Department and the changes made in personnel since 15th March, 1973; the reasons for the additions and changes; and the names of staff employed on public relations and their qualifications for such offices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Department of the Taoiseach Personnel.
8.
The following changes in personnel have been made in my Department since the 15th March, 1973:
Mr. Muiris Mac Conghail has been appointed Assistant Secretary and Head of the Government Information Bureau. He has experience and ability of particular value in this field. The former Director of the Government Information Bureau has been transfered to the Department of Lands.
A higher executive officer in my Department has been assigned as private secretary to the Parliamentary Secretary.
A personal assistant to Mr. Mac Conghail has been seconded from RTE.
A staff officer has been transferred to another Department following promotion to executive officer from an inter-Departmental competition.
A clerical officer has been promoted to fill a staff officer vacancy.
An executive officer and a clerical officer have been recruited from recent competitions to fill existing vacancies.
To whom is Mr. Mac Conghail responsible? As Assistant Secretary in the Taoiseach's Department is he responsible to the Taoiseach? There have been press reports to the effect that he is responsible to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs. Which is correct?
The position is that he is an Assistant Secretary and head of the Government Information Bureau. The general direction of Government publicity is being assigned to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.
I do not think the Taoiseach has, in fact, answered the question. Is he responsible to either the Taoiseach or the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs or is he responsible to both?
He is responsible for all Government publicity.
But is he responsible to the Taoiseach or to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs? Who is his political boss?
As far as his political boss is concerned, he is on the staff of my Department.