Ruairí Quinn
Question:30 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the number of staff within his personal office who are authorised to have regular dealings with the media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5971/99]
Written Answers. - Media Relations.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:31 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach his views on whether the Government Information Service and the Government Press Office have met the divisional goals set out for them in the Department's strategy statement for 1998 to 2001; the number of television, radio and print media interviews he has given since 1 January 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5972/99]
John Bruton
Question:32 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if members of his private office staff who discuss matters with the media must clear their comments in advance with him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6851/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 to 32, inclusive, together.
Those authorised in my office to have regular dealings with the media are the Government Press Secretary, the Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of the Government Information Service, and the press officers in the GIS. From time to time some political and background briefing is done by my special advisers at my request. Inevitably, in the absence of the Government Press Secretary the same people may be drafted in as the occasion demands to brief the media on my behalf.
I believe that the Government Information Service and the Government Press Office are meeting the divisional goals as set out in my Department's strategy statement. The Govern ment Information Service and the Government Press Office provide a comprehensive information service on Government policy to the public through the national and international media on behalf of myself, my Department and the Government. Through regular contact with departmental press officers, the GIS ensures that there is a co-ordinated approach to media matters.
The press secretary and his staff are in daily contact with news desks. Political correspondents are briefed on a daily basis by the press secretary and deputy press secretary, and foreign correspondents receive a weekly briefing. Press releases, statements and speeches are faxed simultaneously to news desks daily, and all important speeches and policy documents are posted on the GIS website. Staff of the GIS and departmental press officers are available after hours and at weekends to answer media queries.
The press secretary and his staff strive to ensure that the business of implementing Government policy is communicated accurately, speedily and efficiently to the media.
Since 1 January 1999, I have conducted nine pre-arranged interviews with the media, two for television, one for radio and six with different publications. I have also given numerous interviews to radio, television and print media while carrying out official functions in that period.