Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

While I have to admit that a part of me almost sympathises with the efforts of the poor old Government to get an advantage as we approach the general election, there is a serious side to this matter. Why is this job not being done by the departmental press officers who are responsible for communication between the line Ministers and the media etc? Why is there a need for the duplication and huge costs which arise from the bundling together of this group of people? I have not heard a proper explanation from the Taoiseach. Can he outline, in good old-fashioned terms, the benefit to Ministers, taxpayers and the media of this huge cost? Journalists usually contact Departments when they want information. Departments are able to use simple modern technology to issue statements and communicate easily with the press. I not understand the need for this infamous unit which, at long last, we have been invited to inspect.

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