Jack Chambers
Ceist:128. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of full-time equivalent press officers employed by his Department and him personally. [34317/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (128)
Freagraí scríofa
My department has a dedicated Communications Unit that employs nineteen civil servants covering, inter alia, press relations, website and digital, media management and public outreach.
There are also press officers posted in London, Brussels and Washington.
In addition there are currently two Special Advisors employed by my Department who, along with other duties, advise on media matters.
Mr. Chris Donoghue is my Special Advisor and Communications Director. Mr. Donoghue is employed at Principal Officer grade and is on the Principal Officer salary scale.
Mr. Paul Fox is Special advisor to the Minister of State for European Affairs. His role includes providing advice on media matters. Mr. Fox is employed at Assistant Principal Officer grade and is on the Assistant Principal Officer salary scale.
These appointments were made in line with “Instructions to Personnel Officers – Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil” which included “Guidelines on staffing of Ministerial offices” issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.