REPLACING GIS

WHAT GOVERNMENT SAID:

In his answer to oral parliamentary questions on July 26 – the last day before the summer recess – Leo Varadkar said: ‘This unit will complement, not replace, the existing arrangements in departments and agencies for dealing with the press, media and communications. The proposed unit will operate independently of the Government Information Service. The GIS will continue its work of dealing with the media on a daily basis and managing major international media events.’

THE REALITY:

In a written answer to a question on September 20, Mr Varadkar changed his Government’s tune regarding the function of the Government Information Service. He wrote: ‘The former GIS function will be integrated within the new structure, while the Government Press Office will continue to operate as before in dealing with day-today media queries under the direction of the Government Press Secretary.’

This line was repeated in two later briefing documents prepared by staff for Mr Varadkar to answer subsequent oral supplementary questions.