Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

67. To ask the Taoiseach his views on the report on matters relating to the Strategic Communications Unit and Project Ireland 2040 that was published on 27 March 2018 and its conclusions. [16896/18]

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

On 1^stMarch last, I requested that the Secretary General of my Department conduct a review into the operations of the SCU. The report from this review was accepted by Government on 27^thMarch last and published on the same date. This is now being implemented.

In accordance with the report, there will be a managed reversion to the more traditional GIS model, with a transition period until July 2018.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

68. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on matters relating to the Strategic Communications Unit and Project Ireland 2040 which outlines that the estimated cost of the media spend on the campaign was estimated to be €1,427,608 excluding VAT; if there are a number of planned media arrangements on hold; if these are still on hold; his plans to lift the hold on spending additional funds; and the amount outstanding. [16897/18]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

69. To ask the Taoiseach the alternative campaigns' funds that were on hold from the media campaign on Project Ireland 2040 as outlined in the report of 26 March 2018 on the Strategic Communications Unit. [16898/18]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

70. To ask the Taoiseach if he has received communication from a company (details supplied) regarding the discrepancy referred to on page ten of the report in relation to the Strategic Communications Unit. [16899/18]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

71. To ask the Taoiseach if the GIS has been re-established in his Department. [16902/18]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

72. To ask the Taoiseach his plans to develop and deliver major cross Government communications campaigns; and the way in which they will be coordinated. [16903/18]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

73. To ask the Taoiseach when he will publish the research that was undertaken by the Strategic Communications Unit and his Department. [16904/18]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 to 73, inclusive, together.

A number of the planned media arrangements for Project Ireland 2040 had been paused pending the outcome of the review into the operation of the Strategic Communications Unit (SCU) by the Secretary General of my Department.This included additional media content partnership arrangements and national and regional radio campaigns. As articulated in the Secretary General's report, where expenditure has been committed but not yet spent by the SCU (e.g. pre booked local radio slots), it will be redirected to other campaigns, such as Healthy Ireland or Brexit preparation.

The newly structured Government Information Service (GIS) will continue to have a co-ordinating and supporting role for national, cross-Government communications, as has always been the case, but such campaigns will be led and funded by the relevant line Department - in that context, the communication of Project Ireland 2040 will be the responsibility of the new Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board which will be led by the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Housing, Planning and Local Government.

As the Deputy will be aware, the matter in relation to Mediaforce was raised at the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach on the 29^thof March last.At that point it was confirmed that communication had been received from the company involved following completion of and submission of the Report to Government on the 27^thof March. Correspondence from the company provided after that date included clarification in respect of the matters raised by the Report. It was indicated to the Select Committee that the response would be made available to it when it had been considered by the Department.

The correspondence clarifies the matter in respect of two separate emails but makes no material difference to the Report provided by the Secretary General or to the Government’s decisions in respect of this matter. I intend to provide the documentation to the Select Committee and publish it in the coming days.

The Research referred to has not yet commenced. It is intended to run a Citizen survey to assess public awareness and understanding of Government services.The opposition parties will be given an opportunity to review the proposed material for the survey prior to it being issued.Once the survey has been run and results collected and analysed, it is intended to publish it.

On 1^stMarch last, I requested that the Secretary General of my Department conduct a review into the operations of the SCU.The report from this review was accepted by Government on 27^thMarch last and published on the same date. This is now being implemented.

In accordance with the report, there will be a managed reversion to the more traditional GIS model, with a transition period until July 2018.