Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 7, inclusive, together.

I have no plans to alter the functions of the communications unit in my Department. The unit will continue to work during the period following the dissolution of the 29th Dáil as it did following the dissolution of the 28th Dáil.

The unit operates on an apolitical basis and only deals with the Government Press Office and the press offices of the various Departments. It has no contact with Government backbenchers or other Deputies. The staff of the unit are subject to the usual conventions that apply to civil servants in respect of political impartiality at all times. I am satisfied they will continue to observe these conventions in the performance of their work.

The unit provides a media information service to Ministers and their Departments. It furnishes news updates and transcripts that ensure Departments are kept informed in a fast and efficient manner of any relevant news developments. In this way, Departments are able to provide a better service to the public.

The communications unit works an 18 hour day based on a flexible rota of three working shifts. The unit is staffed by six established civil servants, five of whom are seconded from other Departments. The work of the unit means Departments have greatly reduced their use of external companies and ensures they no longer duplicate work such as transcripts and tapes.

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