Strategic Communications Unit

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017

Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Questions (30, 32, 38, 40, 49)

Micheál Martin

Question:

30. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he held interviews for positions in the strategic communications unit; and the way in which persons were appointed to same. [35529/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

32. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in the strategic communications unit; the roles they will play; and the cost of same. [35531/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

38. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the pay scales of the staff in the strategic communications unit; and the pay scales of those working in the GIS. [35537/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

40. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he or officials in his Department had to obtain clearance to employ persons in the strategic communications unit. [35539/17]

Niall Collins

Question:

49. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of staff within his Department who will be based in the new strategic information unit; the annual budget of the unit; if the staff will be established civil servants or non-established temporary positions; and the relationship between the existing departmental press office and the new unit. [35660/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 32, 38, 40 and 49 together.

The Strategic Communications Unit has not been established as yet. The precise mandate and other arrangements for the operation of this new unit, including staffing structure and budget, will be worked out over the coming weeks. It is my intention to staff the unit with civil and public servants. The new unit will be independent of, and supplementary to, the Government Information Service.

The pay scales of those currently working in the Government Information Service are as follows:

Number	Position	Pay Scale
1	Government Press Secretary	Assistant Secretary
1	Deputy Government Press Secretary	Principal Officer
3	Assistant Principal Officer	Assistant Principal Officer
3	Press Officer	Higher Executive Officer
1	Communications and Media Assistant	Administrative Officer
1	Clerical Officer	Clerical Officer

It should be noted that the Government Information Service is carrying a number of vacancies at present and the relevant recruitment processes are being finalised. In the meantime, temporary staffing arrangements have been put in place.