Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of staff in his Department assigned to media monitoring duties; and the changes he has introduced to tackle the issue of poor time management of his Department's staff in responding to media articles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47317/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Press Office in my Department comprises of four staff. The Press Office is responsible for the management and dissemination of information to the media.

A press cutting service is provided by one officer assigned on a part time basis and assisted by two others on a part time rota basis. Media monitoring services relate to the daily review of media sources and the occasional purchase of transcripts.

While I recognise the need for delivery of the Departments message to our customers and stakeholders through the media, the priority must be on the delivery of the services rather than servicing the media.