Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

119. To ask the Taoiseach if there is a campaign manager employed in the strategic communications unit within his Department; and if so, the responsibilities for same. [2847/18]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

120. To ask the Taoiseach the number of campaigns the strategic communications unit is planning for 2018. [2848/18]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.

Staff in the Strategic Communications Unit in my Department work on information campaigns on a rotational basis. This involves liaising with their communications colleagues in the relevant Departments and other stakeholders to plan and develop campaigns that make it easier for citizens to understand the work of Government.

The Unit's work on campaigns is informed by major Government initiatives that impact on the lives of our citizens, its focus is to streamline communications by working with other departments to deliver on these major cross Government campaigns. It will help to ensure clear simple citizen centred communications, so that it is evident when the Government of Ireland is communicating or delivering a service. This will lead to more coordinated and cost effective communications that will generate efficiencies and increased value for money.

The Strategic Communications Unit will work in partnership with Government Departments on priority campaigns for 2018. These campaigns have been agreed through a series of bilateral meetings between the Minister and Secretary General in each Government Department and the SCU. The list may evolve through the year.