Strategic Communications Unit

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017

Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Questions (29, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 42, 43, 44)

Micheál Martin

Question:

29. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the way in which the strategic communications unit will interact with persons and relevant stakeholders. [35528/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

33. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the role the strategic communications unit will have with the GIS; and if it will be part of or separate to the GIS. [35532/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

34. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the way in which the strategic communications unit will be founded; and if it is separate and in addition to the GIS. [35533/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

35. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the way in which the strategic communications unit will have a role with each Department. [35534/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

36. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the way in which the strategic communications unit will interact with the GIS if it is to be separate; and the proposed reporting relationship between the two. [35535/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

37. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if the strategic communications unit will be working with each Department separately through each press adviser; if it will be working through each Department's press office; and if it will operate through civil servants or political staff. [35536/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

42. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the way the strategic communications unit will be policy and not politically based; and the roles his officials will play in supervising same. [35541/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

43. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the reporting relationship of the strategic communications unit. [35542/17]

Micheál Martin

Question:

44. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the role of the strategic communications unit and merrionstreet.ie. [35543/17]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 33 to 37, inclusive, and 42 to 44, inclusive, together.

As I previously stated in the House last week I intend to establish a small unit in my Department to focus on strategic communications across Government.

This unit will complement, not replace, the existing arrangements in Departments and agencies for dealing with press, media and communications. The proposed unit will operate independently of the Government Information Service.

The GIS will continue its work of dealing with the media on a daily basis and managing major international media events. My Department is currently conducting an audit of the PR/Communications work across Departments and the agencies under their remit.

The result of this exercise will inform the precise mandate and other arrangements for the role and function of the new unit and should be concluded in the coming weeks.

The establishment of the new unit provides an opportunity to present a clear and cohesive message to the public on the work of Government.

The unit is being established on a permanent basis within the Department.