Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

649 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the number and names of persons working in a public relations or similar capacity, whether directly or on a consultancy basis, for his Department; the person or persons to whom each individual group reports; the precise function of each individual; the terms, conditions of employment and remuneration in each case; the vote or subhead from which this remuneration is taken; the operating instructions, if any, given in each case and by whom; the outside agencies, if any, involved in this work; if so, the extent of this involvement; the extent and nature of back-up facilities, if any, available to these persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8037/98]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

Mr. Bart Cronin serves as a press and media consultant in the press office of my Department and reports directly to me. His appointment, which is for one year initially, commenced on 8 September 1997. In accordance with the terms and conditions of his contract, Mr. Cronin is generally responsible for the provision of information services including the preparation and issue of press releases, responding to queries from the press and general public, monitoring media coverage in relation to the activities of the Department, script writing and other media related activities as required. His remuneration amounts to £23,772 per annum and is paid from subhead A7 of my Department's Vote.

Mr. Cronin has the assistance of one clerical officer.

During the term of office of the previous Government, Slattery Public Relations Limited was appointed by the Department of Education to provide a public relations and communications consultancy to the Irish Sports Council and the sport section of that Department. The contract which is for one year was placed in June 1997. In accordance with the terms and conditions governing the consultancy, Slattery PR has overall responsibility for maximising media opportunities in relation to the activities of the Irish Sports Council and the sport section of my Department and provides PR advice and asssistance as required. The monthly fee payable to Slattery PR, from subhead C1 of my Department's Vote, is £3,500 plus VAT. In addition, charges in respect of telecommunications and courier services are reimbursed. The company reports directly to the press officer of my Department and there are no other back up facilities or outside agencies directly involved in their work for my Depaprtment.