Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, together.

The communications unit will be retained in my Department as it provides a valuable media information service to Government 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 work of the unit is under continual review in terms of its efficiency and the timely provision of service. As a result of a recent audit of its work, it has been decided to digitally upgrade its manual recording equipment. When fully implemented, this change will improve the service provided by the unit and should result in cost savings both in my Department and across other Departments.

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 on secondment from other Departments. The work of the unit means Departments have reduced their use of external companies and ensures that they no longer duplicate work such as transcripts and tapes.

See this speech in context