Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 506: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason her press office refuses to release press statements simultaneously to both the media and the Opposition spokesperson; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4698/04]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

All press statements issued by the Department are posted to the Department's website which can be accessed at www.welfare.ie The Department's website enables the Department to deliver its information and other services effectively. The press office area of the website has a mailing list which enables a subscriber to receive the press releases of the Department by e-mail, as soon as they are posted to the website. I am satisfied that this gives all interested parties, including opposition spokespersons and other deputies, adequate access to information of this kind.

The Department's press office is committed to ensuring all press statements are posted to the Department's website on the same day as they are issued to the media. This commitment is successfully achieved except where technical problems arise and it is necessary to update the website on the following morning.