Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government 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. [38868/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In line with Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 governing the appointment and role of Special Advisers, I have appointed an Adviser as Press and Information Officer in my Department. The Press and Information Officer is supported in his role by three civil servants — one Higher Executive Officer; one Executive Officer and one Clerical Officer — all of whom work in the Press and Information Office in the Department.

The role and functions of the Press and Information Office include: provision and oversight of press information and liaison on behalf of the Ministers of the Department; liaison, on the Ministers' behalf, with the Government Press Office and other Government Departments; liaison, on the Ministers' behalf, with Deputy Government Press Secretary; advice on external communications and publicity on behalf of the Ministers and the Department; provision of a daily news cuttings service, which is made available to all staff electronically; and preparation of speech material and press releases.