Vol. 543 No. 2
617 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the public relations or advertising campaigns which have been funded, or part funded by his Department since June 1997, which involve the personal appearance of the Minister or Ministers of State on television, radio or in newspapers; the cost of any such campaigns; if any such campaigns are planned for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26809/01]
The use of advertising is a vital medium in the effective delivery of information in relation to social welfare services. In this regard, my priority has been to ensure that all citizens are fully aware of their entitlements and are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur across the broad range of social insurance, social assistance and other supports available.
Since July 1997, 286 advertisements were placed by my Department in the print media, radio and television, 51 of which contained a reference to the Minister by name or title. The cost of those latter advertisements was £1,042,221–1,323347.60. One of these advertisements related to radio-television. This was a radio interview which I recorded in October 1998 for the "It Pays to Work Campaign" which was broadcast on all local radio stations at a cost of £16,691–21,193.20.
The Department's public awareness campaign for the euro is now being developed in close consultation with the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland. The introduction of the euro presents a major challenge to ensure that all of our customers are aware of the changeover and its implications. In this connection my Department is paying particular attention to the needs of the hardest to reach categories, such as people with disabilities and those with low literacy skills. As part of this campaign, my Department is planning a professionally made commercial of suitable duration for use on television and on national and local radio. This commercial will run in December-January. In addition to the euro campaign, my Department is also planning a series of commercials regarding budget 2002 on television and on national and local radio. The purpose of these advertisements is to ensure that all our customers are aware of the changes in their entitlements arising from the budget and are fully informed as to the arrangements for the payment of budget increases in social welfare payments.
Question No. 618 answered with Question No. 578.
