Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

194 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources 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 the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

There are no staff members within my Department assigned specifically to public relations work and no other agencies or consultancy services are currently engaged for this purpose.

All matters relating to the media, including the issue of press statements and other matters of public information are handled through the Department's Press and Information services.

This unit continues to function in accordance with procedures established several years ago and reports in the normal manner to the senior management of the Department in relation to operational matters and day-to-day activities. It is staffed by full-time civil servants whose salaries are paid under subhead A1 which covers the salaries, wages and allowances for all staff and officials attached to the Department.