Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed in her Department's press office; if he will outline the role and function of her Department's press office and its relationship with his own press office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38871/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There are 6 Civil Servants (5.6 WTE) assigned to the Department's Communications Unit, which incorporates a Press Office, as well as an internal communications function. The Unit is headed by an: 1 Assistant Principal Officer, and also includes 2 Higher Executive Officers and 3 Executive Officers (2.6 WTE); one Higher Executive Officer and two Executive Officers work in the Press Office.

The Press Office is responsible for liaising with the media on my behalf, as well as on behalf of the Ministers of State and my Department. Among its functions are the timely processing of, and responding to, a large volume of media queries and requests for information on health issues from a wide range of media outlets. These include broadcast and print media at both local and national level and specialist medical publications.

The Press Office also makes the necessary media and communications arrangements for health announcements and works with sections in my Department to plan for upcoming launches, events and emerging issues. Liaison also occurs with Departmental sections to issue press releases and to provide timely responses to queries. An information sharing service is also provided whereby media alerts, transcripts, and notification of press announcements are provided to my Office, Ministers of State, Ministerial Advisers, MAC members and sections, as appropriate.

The Press Office also liaises with international organisations including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) as well as providing representation on the National Public Health Emergency Team. In addition, liaison also occurs with the Government Information Services, other Departments and the HSE Press Office on issues regarding a coordinated response and more generally in relation to emerging issues. The Office also shares information with other stakeholders, such as the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

There is only one Press Office in the Department of Health and Children. However, I do have a Special Adviser in my Department who acts as a media adviser.