Departmental Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2007

Tuesday, 11 December 2007

Questions (532)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

574 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number, rank and pay of all civil servants in his Department and ministerial staff, personally appointed by him or otherwise, who are engaged in media monitoring; the nature of the work done; the persons who the information is circulated to or the people who have access to this information; the cost of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33504/07]

Written answers

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

None of the staff of my Department are engaged in providing a media monitoring service. It goes without saying, of course, that many of my Department's staff endeavour to keep themselves informed of media coverage related to their duties and functions. In this regard the Press and Information Office of my Department has a contract with a private company for the provision of a press cuttings service to my Department. This is available to all staff.