Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 to 7, inclusive, together.

The total costs incurred by the communications unit to date in 2007 are €280,143 with €130,228 being a direct cost to my Department and €29,983 on average being borne by the five other Departments who have staff seconded to the unit. The estimated annual cost for the communications unit in 2007 is €373,524.

The unit provides a media information service to Ministers and their Departments. It furnishes news updates and transcripts which ensure that 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 work 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 that Departments have greatly reduced their use of external companies and ensure that they no longer duplicate work such as transcripts and tapes. There are no plans to change the role or function of the communications unit.

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