Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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263. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of press officers that are employed by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8961/17]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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293. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of press officers employed by Tusla. [9085/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 293 together.

The Press Office in my Department is part of the Governance and Performance Division which is staffed by civil servants. It does not have a specifically designated Press Officer.

Tusla has advised that there are currently two senior press officers employed by them through their HR recruitment partners. I am further informed by Tusla that following a recent recruitment campaign, these two senior press officers are in the process of being made permanent. I understand from Tusla that approval has been given for the recruitment of a third senior press officer and this is currently at offer stage.

Tusla has further advised that its communications team oversees and ensures best practice in all communications activities for the Agency. This involves providing strategic support to the Chief Executive, managing the Agency’s press office and all proactive and reactive media engagement. The communications team works with directorates and project teams to advise on and manage communications and public awareness campaigns and activities. The unit also ensures a consistent approach to internal and external communications.