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Wednesday 6 December 2023 Dublin: 7°C

# merriongate

This year
2023
Missing Mails: Wiping of ministers’ texts and emails to be addressed with new policies
A report by
Eimer McAuley
Controversies over deletion of texts occurred in recent years, with new investigation revealing this practice is widespread among European leaders.
Investigative project #MissingMails reveals multiple scandals across European governments and institutions
As part of this, The Journal and Noteworthy examine Irish State practices following 'ZapponeGate'
Retention policies currently vary from department to department
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Jun 2nd 2023, 12:05 AM
All time
'It wasn’t a job offer': Coveney says Zappone should have been told role wasn't a 'done deal'
The minister said his mistakes in recent weeks had contributed to what has become a political embarrassment.
Coveney acknowledges "making mistakes in recent weeks" and that this has created "a political embarrassment for the Government"
In hindsight , Coveney says it would have been helpful for him to respond to Zappone's text to tell her that it was not a job offer, but rather a concept.
The minister called Zappone on Sunday to tell her their text messages were being released
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Updated
Sep 7th 2021, 1:00 PM
'A crisis in FOI': How Zapponegate highlighted crucial flaws in Ireland's transparency legislation
Zapponegate: Ex-Minister texted Coveney to say thanks for 'incredible opportunity' in March
Zapponegate: Ex-Minister texted Coveney to say thanks for 'incredible opportunity' in March
111 documents released by Coveney’s department today shed more light on the timeline of the process.
Coveney is due back before an Oireachtas committee tomorrow morning and has promised to answer questions on the documents.
Texts released today add further detail to the timeline surrounding the planned appointment of Zappone to the UN envoy role.
The document dump also includes a text from Zappone in the aftermath of the Merrion-gate controversy.
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Sep 6th 2021, 5:20 PM
Taoiseach must 'stamp his authority' and put an end to Zappone row, Fianna Fáil TD says
Explainer: Why are people still talking about the Zappone/Coveney/Varadkar controversy?
Taoiseach must 'stamp his authority' and put an end to Zappone row, Fianna Fáil TD says
James Lawless described the controversy as a “Fine Gael mess” and insisted: “There’s not a single Fianna Fail-er near this.”
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Sep 5th 2021, 3:27 PM
‘Comprehensive’ information will clarify Zappone appointment, Taoiseach says
Micheál Martin denied the row is proving a distraction to the Government.
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Sep 4th 2021, 3:10 PM
No decision yet on Katherine Zappone replacement - Coveney
He acknowledged that mistakes were made in the appointment of the former children’s minister as a UN special envoy.
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Aug 16th 2021, 5:57 PM