Tánaiste Micheál Martin criticised online publication The Ditch under Dáil privilege as he accused them of launching political campaigns to “undermine character and reputation”.
He accused them of not being “independent media” as he criticised people linked to the website, including WebSummit founder Paddy Cosgrave and former shareholder Chay Bowes.
It came ahead of Dáil statements from Minister of State Niall Collins regarding a plot of land that was sold to his wife in September 2008.