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

The reason I believe it would have been preferable had I not had that conversation is that I would not be in here answering these questions, but the reality is that I did not have any sensitive or confidential information to impart at that time, and I did not. As I said, the only new information that I gave was that I would be taking the advice of my officials, and that is what I did do.

To return to an earlier question, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland will be reviewing the ownership and control policy later this year and producing a report on it.

To answer Deputy Broughan's question, there was an array of journalists. In respect of every interview I did over this period, journalists from every single media outlet asked me questions. As I said, colleagues in the House asked me as well about it. I consistently told them the exact same answer, that this was an ongoing file and that I would consider it once the report was put in front of me.

Following an on-the-record interview with the Westmeath Independent, I was approached by a number of journalists and staff employed there who were anxious about their jobs in light of the proposed acquisition. While there was a discussion regarding the possibility of meeting the editor of the Westmeath Independent, I made a decision not to meet him. Regarding anyone else, I cannot recall anyone specifically whom I met, but everyone across the media sector would have raised this issue with me. I was consistent in my reply that it was an ongoing process and that I would consider it once the report was put in front of me.

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