Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of press officers in his Department; the number of press officers in each agency under his auspices; the total cost of press officers in his Department and in agencies under his auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37342/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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There are two designated Press Officers in my Department, one generally responsible for matters relating to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the other for matters relating to Irish Aid. The details requested by the Deputy are set out in the accompanying table:

The Departmental Press Officer is assisted by a unit consisting of two Third Secretaries and a Clerical Officer. Officers assigned to press duties routinely work outside of normal office hours as and when required. In that regard, the First Secretary is in receipt of an annual taxable allowance of €2,412. The Third Secretaries and Clerical Officer are paid overtime in respect of necessary extra attendance in line with normal civil service regulations. Officers serving in missions abroad are engaged in press work in addition to other duties. There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.