Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We have dealt with this issue previously. I still have not taken up the Taoiseach's offer to see what this communications unit does. The cost of the unit for 2005 will be approximately €320,000. The Taoiseach previously estimated that the communications unit saved the Government approximately €200,000 in fees to external companies that would normally supply transcripts and tapes. Does the Taoiseach believe the unit gives value for money?

If there is nothing surreptitious or underhand about the material upon which the unit casts its eye or which it hears, should it not be circulated to all Deputies? If there is a discussion on, for example, Shannonside Radio about the military barracks in Athlone, will the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, be given information on this or must it come from the local Fianna Fáil cumann?

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