Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 4

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - GIS Statistics.

Michael Bell

Question:

2 Mr. Bell asked the Taoiseach (1) the number of staff, by grade, assigned to the Government Information Services; (2) the number currently employed there on contract or on temporary assignment from other areas of the public sector; (3) the range of functions for which the Government Information Service are responsible; (4) the number of press releases issued by the Government Information Service since 1 January 1991; (5) the number and name of Departments who use the services of the Government Information Service; (6) the differentiation of the role of the Government Information Service from that of individual constituent components of the parties that make up the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Taoiseach

I propose circulating with the Official Report a statement which sets out the details requested by the Deputy.

The Government Information Service (GIS) comprise nine persons in the following grades: one head of GIS; one information officer; one assistant director; three press officers; one media researcher; one clerical assistant (typist) and one paperkeeper.

Of the nine persons employed in GIS, two are on secondment from other areas of the public service. The head of GIS is on secondment from the Department of Foreign Affairs. The information officer is on secondment from the Irish Goods Council.

The primary responsibility of GIS is to facilitate communication between the Government and Departments and the media and general public. The GIS also supply press releases, ministerial statements and official documents to the press, radio and television. The GIS liaise closely with all Government Departments to ensure the proper dissemination of information about Government activities. The total number of press releases issued by GIS since 1 January, 1991 is: 172.

The GIS are part of the Civil Service structure of my Department and the political composition of the Government has no bearing on the role of the GIS.