Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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92. To ask the Taoiseach the detail the director and staff in the strategic communications unit sought and were provided with when they consulted with their counterparts in the UK and the Netherlands regarding strategic communications; the format the consultation took; and if meetings took place. [48745/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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93. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the six procurement contracts issued in respect of the strategic communications unit; and the status of same. [48746/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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94. To ask the Taoiseach the Cabinet committee under which the remit of the strategic communication unit falls. [48747/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 to 94, inclusive, together.

The Director and a member of staff in the Strategic Communications met with their counterparts in the UK and the Netherlands to learn at first hand how both countries went about the streamlining and optimisation of government communications, from the perspective of the citizen. Both countries have adopted a whole of Government approach to communications with the citizen placed at the centre.

Their communication systems aim to simplify how government information is communicated to the public so that it is delivered in a coherent, accessible and cost effective manner.

The procurement contracts issued in my Department are as follows:

Standstill letters or letters awarding contract issued in 3 cases (Research/Pitch/Creative) - Decision made not to award a contract in the mini competition for design services. Evaluation being concluded in remaining two competitions.

Procurement for these contracts is taking place centrally for major cross government campaigns, which improves efficiency. All contracts are being procured in accordance with standard public procurement rules through the Office of Government Procurement.

The Strategic Communications Unit does not come under the remit of a Cabinet Committee. The Unit is integrated within the Civil Service structures in my Department, with the Director of the Unit reporting to the Secretary General of the Department.

The Civil Service Management Board (CSMB) has established a sub group of the CSMB which acts as a high-level working group and is chaired by the Secretary General to the Government. It held its first meeting on October 25th.

In addition, responsibility for communications has been assigned to an Assistant Secretary in every Government Department, who will work collectively to ensure cross Government cooperation. This initiative will be progressed as part of the civil service renewal programme.