Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism 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. [38862/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Special Adviser, at Principal Officer level, has responsibility for Press matters and works in close liaison with the Department's Press & Information Office. There are currently three members of staff employed in that office, one Higher Executive Officer and two Executive Officers, one of whom works on a mornings only basis. I do not have a separate Press office.

The Press & Information Office promotes the Department's policies, activities and achievements to the media and the general public. It issues press releases and speeches on behalf of the Minister and Minister of State to the media, and places them on the Department's website. In addition it liaises with agencies and bodies under the aegis of the Department in relation to important events and announcements. The Office also handles enquiries from the media on matters within the Department's remit, and with general enquiries from the public on services provided by the Department.