Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 7, inclusive, together. The Government press secretary and the staff in the Government press office and the Government information service are subject to all current guidelines applying generally in the Civil Service, as set out the in the Civil Service code of conduct, staff circulars and relevant legislation. No particular guidelines have been prepared with regard to the circumstances and manner in which they contact RTE, or any other media organisation.

The Government press secretary is constantly engaged with all elements of the media, including RTE, communicating news and information in respect of Government policy and the presentation of policies. He has the primary responsibility with regard to the arrangements for interviews with officeholders and any dialogue with media on their reports and features relating to officeholders and official policy. He works very closely with me and I am pleased to account to the House for any action taken by him in the discharge of his official duties.

The staff of the Government information services are engaged in the dissemination of information and communicate with all media organisations on a daily basis regarding the communication of Government policies. 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 who have staff seconded to the unit.

The projected cost for 2009 represents a reduction of 2.6% on the 2008 cost, of 11.4% on the 2007 cost and of 20% on the 2006 cost. In fact, it is the lowest cost since 2003. This has been achieved through greater efficiency in the operation of the unit and the application of Government policy on reducing staff numbers. I have no current plans to alter the role of the communications unit. The role of the unit is under continual review in terms of its efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Following a recent review of the work of the unit, 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. To assess whether a viable solution was available that would achieve these objectives, my Department issued a tender for a centralised Government contract for the provision of a press cutting and media monitoring service for all Departments. Following a detailed examination of the tenders, it was decided not to proceed with the award of the contract. In fact, it became clear that the current arrangements were considerably more cost-effective than the alternatives proposed.

Subject to current budgetary constraints, consideration will be given to updating the current somewhat dated equipment in the unit with a view to improving its efficiency and service provision to Departments, thereby reducing the usage of outside media monitoring companies.

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