Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The projected cost of the communications unit in 2009 is €294,083, with €153,038 being a direct cost to my Department and €47,005 on average being borne by three other Departments which have staff seconded to the unit. The cost for the unit in 2008 was €302,235. The role of the communications unit is under continuous review in terms of its efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Following a review of the unit's work, in conjunction with an audit of Departments' usage of external media monitoring companies, various possibilities were explored with a view to improving efficiency, eliminating duplication and implementing cost savings. In order to assess whether a viable alternative solution is available that would achieve these objectives, the Department of the Taoiseach issued a tender for a centralised Government contract for the provision of a press cutting and media monitoring service for all Departments.

Currently, some Departments have individual contracts with media monitoring companies to provide them with media notifications specific to their areas. In order to ensure that the most efficient and effective service is utilised across Departments, it was decided to explore the appointment of a single provider that could provide a viable solution, leading to cost savings across the service. Tenders received are currently being considered and a decision whether to proceed on this basis will be made shortly.

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