Vol. 514 No. 1
4 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in the media monitoring unit in his Department; the vacancies, if any, which currently exist or will exist in the near future; the mechanism by which vacancies will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1408/00]
There are five staff currently working in the media monitoring unit. At present there are two clerical officer vacancies which will be filled in accordance with the procedures which apply to the filling of such vacancies. The manager of the media monitoring unit, Mr. Marty Whelan, resigned from his post on 28 January 2000. There are no plans for a replacement at this time.
I wonder is spreading rumours part of the function of this body?
Does the Taoiseach agree to the spreading of rumours?
No, I do not. Politicians should do their best to prevent the spreading of rumours, not spread them.
I am calling Questions Nos. 5 and 6.
Those who are the recipients of rumours should analyse—
Exactly.
If the Deputy practises stopping them, he will do a good job.
Bearing in mind the Taoiseach's experience of the departure of a number of people on contract to the Government, does he agree there should be some time lapse before they engage in activities which are directly at variance with their previous employment? Has the Taoiseach given any consideration to this aspect? I do not wish to personalise the issue but there is a potential problem. Such a difficulty arose with regard to Mr. Duffy.
We have moved to Questions Nos. 5 and 6. They have been called.
It is called mobility.
I do not understand the Ceann Comhairle's interpretation of the rules in Standing Orders any more but I will defer to his judgment.
I clearly called Questions Nos. 5 and 6.
