Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I did not hear the Taoiseach's substantive reply to these questions and I apologise if he has already answered and I am repeating. Last November I asked the Taoiseach about the then proposed putting to tender of the work of the communications unit or a part of its work. He indicated that the tendering process was then in train, that he would be subsequently advised of the result of the process and a decision would be taken about proceeding or not. Has this happened and if so, what is the cost? The real question is why are we looking again at external supports when within the system, within the public service, there are people who are clearly able and adept at dealing with the issues, apart from the raison d'être behind the communications unit.

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