Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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144. To ask the Taoiseach his plans to make changes to the Government Information Service; the number of staff employed there; and if there will be an increase in same. [28654/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Government Information Service is comprised of:

- Government Press Secretary;

- Deputy Government Press Secretary;

- Assistant Government Press Secretary (Vacant);

- Two Assistant Principal Officers, one of whom is assigned to MerrionStreet.ie;

- Four Press Officers (Higher Executive Officer equivalent) - there are currently vacancies in two of these positions;

- Three Communications & Media Assistants (Executive Officer equivalent; two of whom are assigned to MerrionStreet.ie) - there are currently vacancies in all three of these positions; and

- 1 Clerical Officer.

Temporary arrangements are in place to cover over the vacancies detailed above while the relevant recruitment processes are finalised.

I have not as yet made any decisions as to whether to make changes to the resourcing or structure of the Government Information Service.