Government monitoring social media of journalists, Tony Holohan, Vicky Phelan and others

Vicky Phelan: Campaigner features in the analysis of critical tweets about cancer screenings Picture:Gareth Chaney

Government departments are closely monitoring social media and keeping detailed accounts of topics that have criticised and praised them throughout the pandemic.

Through Freedom of Information requests, the Irish Examiner has seen hundreds of pages of analysis from the Department of Health and Department of Education on Twitter, Reddit, and message board activity on issues concerning their departments.