Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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452. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of departmental staff in his press office; the reporting relationship in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46044/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department’s Press Relations Section is part of the Policy and Communications Division. The Press Relations Section carries out a range of functions in relation to communicating the work of the Department to the media and responding to media queries and requests . It is also responsible for the Department’s online social media presence on Twitter. It works closely with the Department’s Protocol Service in assisting the organisation of major State visits and events, including through liaison with foreign journalists. The Press Relations Section also assists with media engagements arising for me in my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and similarly for my Minister of State colleagues at the Department in their respective capacities.

In carrying out these duties, the Section is currently staffed by 1 First Secretary/Assistant Principal officer, 3.5 Third Secretaries/Higher Executive Officers and 1 Clerical Officer.

The Press Relations Section reports to the Head of the Communications Unit.