Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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284. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he, his officials or advisers have had meetings with the strategic communication unit since it was set up; the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6530/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Last October, I, together with my Department's Secretary General and other relevant officials, met with representatives of the Strategic Communications Unit (SCU). I have also appointed an Assistant Secretary to represent my Department on the SCU Inter-Departmental Group which meets regularly.

In addition, my officials and Advisers have been engaging with the Unit on specific issues, including in relation to the National Planning Framework and the complementary 10-year Capital Investment Plan being prepared by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and reporting and communications in relation to Rebuilding Ireland, the Government’s Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.  The Unit has provided useful and practical advice and assistance to my Department in terms of the accessibility and dissemination of information on complex policy matters, ensuring that these approaches are aligned with the Government’s broader communications policies and practices.

My Department’s Press and Communications Office has also attended briefings by the SCU on the work of the Unit and the areas of my Department's activities in which the Unit could play a role, having regard to its mandate to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and cross-Government cooperation to foster and develop a whole of Government approach to communications.