Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The cost for the communications unit in 2011 was €221,340 with €98,579 being a direct cost to my Department and the balance being paid by three other Departments. The cost for 2011 represents a reduction of 9% on the 2010 cost, a reduction of 16% on the 2009 cost and a reduction of 36% on the 2008 cost. This has been achieved through greater efficiency in the operation of the unit and the application of Government policy on reducing staff numbers.

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.

See this speech in context