Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of briefing packs prepared by him; the number of packs that were produced; the cost of each briefing pack; the number of staff used to compile the information packs; if all the information in the packs is now available on his Department's website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14333/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The matter referred to by the Deputy is subject to inquiries in the Standards in Public Office Commission. Out of courtesy to the commission, I will respond to the Deputy when its inquiries are completed.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide samples of the information pack provided to Fianna Fáil candidates and education spokespersons; when he notified each political party of the availability of the information service funded by his Department; his views on whether, in hindsight, the use of such public funds for dissemination for candidates of any party is unethical; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14386/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I will arrange to provide samples of the information to the Deputy. No political party was specifically notified that the Department of Education and Science has an information and press service but, to my knowledge, all of them are aware of the fact and most have sought information over several decades.

I would never regard the dissemination of factual information as unethical.