Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Transport the process by which news items are brought to his attention by his Department or by his advisers or personal staff; the issues that were brought to his attention in the month of June 2007; the number of advisers, press officers, personal assistants and so on in his office for the complete month of June 2007; if briefings were given by such individuals to him or his staff when the Ministers changed in June 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34658/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question number 29 on the 6 December. News items may be brought to my attention in a number of ways, e.g. verbal briefings, press clippings, if they are deemed to be important. The Press office, relevant Assistant Secretary or the Secretary General might also bring such items to my attention.

During the month of June there was some staff turnover to coincide with the change of Minister. At the end of June there were 2 Ministerial advisors, 1 Senior Special Assistant, 1 Personal Assistant, 1 Private Secretary and 9 other staff in the Minister's office and a Press Advisor and 3 other staff in the press office.