Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of staff employed in his Department's press office; if he will outline the role and function of his Department's press office and its relationship with his own press office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38869/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The press office in my Department is staffed by four civil servants and is headed at Assistant Principal level. The Press Officer is assisted by one Higher Executive Officer, one Executive Officer and one Clerical Officer.

The press officer is responsible for management of the Press Office which comprises responding to questions regarding the Minister for Finance or the Department of Finance from all members of the broadcast and print media, as well as members of the public; organising press events to inform the press and public on departmental matters; making necessary arrangements in association with the Minister's private office for public events at which the Minister for Finance is speaking, both at national and international levels; and editorial control of the Department's web site.

Staff in the press office review newsprint and other media on a daily basis and where appropriate bring media articles to my attention or the attention of relevant management staff. The current press officer is in situ since March 2008 and was appointed following an internal competition. I do not have a press office of my own.