Taoiseach accused of 'spinning' replies to TDs
The Taoiseach was accused in the Dáil today of “spinning” replies to TD questions by releasing them to the media in advance.
Labour front-bench TD Eamon Gilmore claimed journalists were briefed on a written Dáil reply about consultants’ contracts one and a half hours before he received it.
He told the Dáil today: “Yesterday I had a written question to the Taoiseach, the reply to which I received around 6pm yesterday evening.
“However I understand that the reply to the question was made available to some journalists as early as 4.30pm yesterday and was the subject of briefing.
“It’s not acceptable that Dáil questions are the subject of spinning by the line department before they’re issued to the deputies who asked the question.”
Mr Gilmore asked Ceann Comhairle Rory O’Hanlon during today’s order of business if it was proper that replies to written questions should be given to the media before being supplied to the TD who asked the question.
The Dublin TD’s question asked the Taoiseach how many contracts were awarded to outside consultants since 2000, who received the contracts and what work was carried out.
Details on the original cost estimates and final costs were also sought.
Mr Gilmore today asked the Ceann Comhairle to seek an explanation from the Taoiseach as to why the reply was issued to the media in advance.
Mr O’Hanlon said: “It wouldn’t be a matter for the chair to seek an explanation from a member of the Government.
“I will check in our own office to ensure there was no leak there but I would be absolutely certain that there wasn’t. As far as the Government goes, it wouldn’t be a matter for the chair.”
Mr O’Hanlon asked Mr Gilmore to raise the issue with the Taoiseach’s department.
Mr Gilmore said he had no complaint with the Ceann Comhairle’s office.
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin quipped: “You’d need a permanent team of plumbers in here to deal with all the leaks.”
