Sligo Fianna Fáil deputy Marc Mac Sharry, who has been to the fore in criticizing the establishment and work of  the government’s Strategic Communications Unit says he welcomes its imminent abolition. 

He had been critical of the unit for some time, claiming it was using tax payers money for government propaganda.

A review of the Government’s Strategic Communications Unit  has concluded that continuous controversy surrounding it, in addition to a Dáil resolution for its disbandment, warranted its winding down.

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Cabinet yesterday that the unit will be wound down by July. All 15 staff will be redeployed to other areas of the Civil Service.

The review, which was conducted by the State’s top civil servant, exonerates the unit from claims of politicisation.