Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach has told us the communications unit furnishes news updates and media coverage. Does the unit also track the coverage of particular stories? Does it track and report on trends or on the attitudes and disposition of journalists or the media organs for which they work? Has it kept the Taoiseach informed of the general disposition towards him and his party of Independent News & Media? As I mention Independent News & Media, I record my strong disagreement with the Ceann Comhairle's decision not to accept a question from me about the meeting the Taoiseach had or may have had with representatives of that company in the mouth of the general election some months ago.

Is the communications unit involved in tracking particular coverage or advising of the disposition of media entities, whether broadcast or print? What advice does the unit give the Taoiseach and how does he respond to such advice? Was this why he met with representatives of Independent News & Media and, perhaps, Mr. Tony O'Reilly?

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