Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak to this matter. It is curious to hear Sinn Féin spokespersons saying there should not be any involvement in politics or political campaigning by the strategic communications unit, SCU, while at the same time the former leader of Sinn Féin was willing to support the unit on the basis that it might help to win a referendum on Irish unity. That is total hypocrisy.

Good, clear and consistent communication is a virtue of good government. Citizens have a right to know what the Government is doing and why. The strategic communications unit was established earlier this year to bring that consistency, clarity and professionalism to all Government communications. It was not the brainchild of the current Taoiseach. This was raised and recommended on the back of the Global Irish Forum.

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