Departmental Staff Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2015

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Questions (165, 166)

Micheál Martin

Question:

165. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in the Government Information Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34055/15]

Micheál Martin

Question:

166. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of staff responsible for the website merrionstreet.ie; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34056/15]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.

Fourteen members of staff in my Department work in the Government Press Office (compared with eighteen members of staff under the previous administration). Staff in the Government Press Office are contactable around the clock to respond to media queries.

Two members of the Government Press Office staff work on MerrionStreet.ie. Both are at Executive Officer level. Through MerrionStreet.ie, they provide a factual news service on the work of the Government and its agencies both at home and all over the world via the internet. They maintain website content – via video, audio, visual and including all modern media platforms.