Officials must face Dáil committee over ‘advertorial’

The Government’s most senior civil servant and the head of the strategic communications unit (SCU) must face Dáil committee questions over claims the decision to pay for Ireland 2040 “advertorial” in newspapers has blurred the line between news and spin.

Fianna Fáil and Labour demanded the meeting amid a growing controversy over the placing of two-page articles drawn up by the SCU in national and regional newspapers last week and disputed claims some editors were pressurised to ensure positive coverage.

Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy confirmed she has made a complaint to the Advertising Authority of Ireland over the matter. She said there is a need to protect “genuine independent reportage”.