Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not think that one could measure everything against the communications unit and suggest that it is the benchmark for all Government activity. That would be absurd. There are four staff members in the unit. It is not a major part of the operation. There are two executive officers, one staff officer and a clerical officer. There are also two vacancies I have not filled. I am aware of the need for this work. It is necessary in terms of co-ordinating and getting Departments and people on the outside to know exactly what is the position on various issues.

On the question of putting it out for tender, I authorised a review of the unit independently of the McCarthy deliberations. I did not have to wait for anybody to ask me. I did that because I wanted to see what was the position. When one asked people to tender, the lowest tender was far in excess of what it cost to do the job inside. That should be a good indication of value for money and perhaps an indication that it is being done in as cost-effective a way as possible, that if one were to get others to do it and release these staff for other work, one would, in fact, impose a greater burden on the taxpayer.

I think everyone would agree. Deputy Gilmore would have a press liaison function for his party and for his own business. He could not do his job without it. It is an essential part of his operation. In the same way, there is a need for Government to have a communications unit.

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