Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My officials were not aware of this conversation because this was a conversation that I had with Mr. Ó Neachtain based on the information that I had at that time, which was information that was in the public domain based on the criteria clearly laid out in respect of media diversity and media plurality. The file and application had not come in to our Department at that stage. When I did address the House on 6 December, that was an active file within my Department at that stage. I pointed out at the time that I hadnot received the report from the officials. I had said previously that I would be guided by the advice of my officials and that is what I did.

See this speech in context