Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
2336. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of press, media or communications staff currently employed in her Department and within each agency for which she is responsible; the cost of these staff for 2025 and the expected cost for 2026; whether there are proposals to increase the number of such staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75234/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease find below the current staffing breakdown for the Press and Communications Unit in the Department of Health:
|
AO |
1 |
|
AP |
2 |
|
EO |
4 |
|
HEO |
5 |
|
PO |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
13 |
The costings for the above for 2025 was €856,425.29.
There is an AP vacancy to be filled in 2026 which will bring the total staff working in the Press Office to 14. This is the only foreseen increase to be made in 2026.
The expected cost for 2026 will be similar to 2025 including this one extra staff member, in line with the Public Sector Pay Agreement 2024-2026. Any changes to the salary scales will be in line with this agreement which applies to all civil servants.
Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy on the part of the question referring to the number of press, media or communications staff currently employed within their agency.
