Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1170. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37345/12]
View answerMy Personal Assistant acts as the Press Officer for my Department. She is paid at the Personal Assistant salary scale (€43,715 - €56,060). Notwithstanding the wide range of functions and responsibilities of the Justice Sector, with approximately 22,800 staff, the majority of areas rely on the Department's Press Officer to deal with press/media matters. There are, however, a small number of organisations (details below) that manage their own press/media matters because of the nature of their role.
|
Organisation |
Details |
|
An Garda Síochána |
Press Officer position filled at the rank of Superintendent (salary scale €70,514 - €82,183). |
|
Irish Prison Service |
Press Officer position filled at Assistant Principal level (salary scale €65,185 - €80,678 plus €5,934 allowance p.a.). |
|
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission |
Press Officer functions are the responsibility of the Head of Communications and Research which is at Assistant Principal level. As the post is currently vacant the duties are being performed by a Higher Executive Officer (salary scale €46,081 - €58,294). |
|
Courts Service |
Media relation services, including Press Officer duties, are provided by a private company retained on contract and paid an annual fee which is currently €94,496. |
It should also be noted that some organisations, such as the Equality Authority, Equality Tribunal, Irish Human Rights Commission, would, because of their independent nature, manage their own press/media matters. They would not, however, require a designated Press Officer.
