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Departmental Staff Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018

Thursday, 8 March 2018

Ceisteanna (394, 395)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

394. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the number of staff assigned in his Department to the press office, public relations or communications roles in each year since 2015; the positions by staffing grade and designated role; when each new position came into existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11705/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

395. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if a panel has been established in his Department for communications officers; if a Civil Service position of head of communications or similar role or description has been appointed in his Department; if so, when the appointment occurred; the grade at which it occurred; the reason for same; the policy basis for same; the person that approved the appointment; his plans to make such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11721/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 395 together.

There is no panel for communications officers in my Department.

The Communications Office was established in 2008 headed by an Assistant Principal. The current role holder was appointed in June 2016. The Communications Unit incorporates the Press office.

The name and functions were extended to include "communications" to reflect more accurately the work of the Unit and deliver on the business needs of the Department in the context of an evolving media and communications landscape.

The Press & Communications Team is responsible for:  

1 Engaging proactively with the media to ensure our work is communicated in an effective and timely manner to the public and other stakeholders;

2 Developing a strong and consistent voice and identity for the Department that supports our role in providing leadership and policy direction for the health sector;

3 Supporting a cultural shift towards more open, structured approaches to engagement.  

The staffing of the office in each of years since 2015 is set out in the following table.

Year

Staff

2015

Principal Officer X 1 (Head of Unit with management responsibility for a number of Units including the Press and Communications Office)

 

The Head of Press and Communications Office (Assistant Principal Officer) post was vacant for a period of time in 2015 pending a new appointment to the post.

 

Higher Executive Officer X 2

 

Executive Officer X 3

2016

Principal Officer X 1 (Head of Unit with management responsibility for a number of Units including the Press and Communications Office)

 

Head of Press and Communications Office (Assistant Principal Officer) X 1

 

Higher Executive Officer X 2

 

Executive Officer X 2

 

Clerical Officer X 1 (on maternity leave)

 

Temporary Clerical Officer X 1 (covering maternity leave of the Clerical Officer)

2017

Principal Officer X 1 (Head of Unit with management responsibility for a number of Units including the Press and Communications Office)

 

Head of Press and Communications Office (Assistant Principal Officer) X 1

 

Higher Executive Officer X 2

 

Executive Officer X 2

 

Clerical Officer X 1

2018

Principal Officer X 1 (Head of Unit with management responsibility for a number of Units including the Press and Communications Office)

 

Head of Press and Communications Office (Assistant Principal Officer) X 1

 

Press Officer (Higher Executive Officer) X 2

 

Executive Officer X 2

 

Clerical Officer X 1

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