Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Taoiseach the number of press officers and press advisers in his Department; the rank and pay of each; the description of work done; the persons to whom the information is circulated or made accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33544/07]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Taoiseach the number of press advisers employed by his Department; the cost of such advice for each year since 1997 to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33574/07]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 128 together.

There are four press officers based in my Department, one at Assistant Principal grade and three at Higher Executive Officer grade. Their pay is at the current rate for these respective grades. The Government Press Secretary is paid the max of the Assistant Secretary scale, while both of the Deputy Government Press Secretaries are paid at Principal Officer higher scale level. The duties of the Government Press Secretary and of the press officers in my Department are to liaise with the media on my behalf. The Deputy Government Press Secretaries have particular responsibilities in respect of the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats, respectively.

The Government Press Office provide a comprehensive information service on Government policy to the public through the national and international media on behalf of myself, my Department and the Government. Political correspondents are briefed on a daily basis by the Government Press Secretary and Deputy Government Press Secretaries. Through regular contact with Departmental Press Officers, they ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach to media matters.

Press releases, statements and speeches are e-mailed simultaneously to news desks daily and all important speeches and policy documents are posted on my Department's website. Staff of the office and Departmental Press Officers are available after hours and at weekends to answer media queries. The Government Press Secretary and his staff strive to ensure that relevant information and replies to press queries are communicated accurately, speedily and efficiently to the media. The cost of the Press Advisors (i.e. successive Government Press Secretaries and Deputy Government Press Secretaries) for each year since 1997 is detailed in the table.