Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2018
277. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she, her officials or advisers have had meetings with the strategic communication unit since it was set up; the issues that were discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6532/18]
View answerThe Secretary General of the Department met with the head of the Strategic Communications Unit in August at the Department’s headquarters at Áras Mhic Dhiarmada, Store Street, Dublin 1. This meeting was an introduction to and discussion on the future role of the unit. The Minister, the Secretary General, the Minister’s advisor Gerry Mullins and Assistant Secretary Helen Faughnan met with John Concannon and Eugene Farrelly from the Strategic Communications Unit on 13 December 2017, at the Department of An Taoiseach, Government Buildings. The issues that were discussed at this meeting were the role of the unit, future work plans and access to government services online.
A number of other meetings have taken place between Senior Officials of the Department and the Strategic Communications Unit at the Department of An Taoiseach since its establishment. Issues discussed include campaign planning, branding and visual identity. These include a recent group presentation on “Visual Identity” in February 2018.
The Department’s Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Communications, Helen Faughnan, attends a monthly meeting hosted by senior officials from the Strategic Communications Unit at the Department of An Taoiseach, Government Buildings. The issues discussed at this meeting are the Department’s future work plans.
