Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
99. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of staff in his Department who are working on media and communications, both civil servants and non-civil servants; the role of each; the reporting structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33006/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department has a dedicated Communications Unit that employs nineteen civil servants covering, inter alia, press relations, website and digital, media management and public outreach.
Communication Unit’s role is to promote and facilitate external communication at all levels of the Department and Missions abroad in support of Ireland's objectives. Key objectives for the Communications Unit are:
- Strengthening the Department's and Missions' abilities to deliver our communication and public diplomacy goals;
- Strengthening communication to the Irish public of the role, services and activities of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ireland's overseas missions;
- Enhanced public awareness and understanding of Ireland's overseas aid programme, Irish Aid, and of global development issues;
- Communicating with the public about the work the Government is doing to prepare for the UK’s departure from the EU and the steps it is taking to mitigate against the impact of Brexit;
- Liaising with our network of public diplomacy contacts across our mission network to ensure news about Ireland and relevant to Ireland’s objectives is communicated widely.
The Communications Unit reports to the management board of my Department.
There are also three civil servants assigned as press officers in London, Brussels and Washington. They report to their respective Heads of Mission.
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.
