Diplomatic Representation

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (87)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

87. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the diplomatic missions of Ireland through embassies, consulates, honorary consuls and otherwise which are actively engaging in social media, namely in terms of Facebook and Twitter accounts; the reason not all embassies have taken to Twitter yet; areas in which his Department is particularly proactive in this regard; when he expects remaining missions to become active online; if he intends to get every diplomatic mission onto various social media platforms as part of digital diplomacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37387/13]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department is among the most active on social media and I recognise the potential of Twitter, in particular, to provide timely and relevant information to citizens in Ireland and abroad. The Department began to establish social media accounts in 2011. Currently our missions operate 25 Twitter accounts and two Facebook accounts, with more to be established in the months ahead. These accounts are detailed in the table below and are in addition to four Twitter accounts and one Facebook account operated centrally by my Department. As of last month, we had a combined total of almost 34,000 followers on Twitter alone. Social media is particularly useful in terms of providing advice about our services, including passports and travel advice; raising awareness of the work of missions and the Department more broadly and highlighting Irish events, associations, and companies worldwide.

In countries where Twitter is not commonly used or available, we encourage the use of appropriate social media. For example our missions in China are about to establish Sina Weibo accounts.

It is my intention that our use of social media continues to expand in a broad and sustainable manner. My Department is finalising a Social Media Policy to guide staff at missions and headquarters on the optimum use of social media platforms to ensure continued best practice online.

Twitter

Abu Dhabi

Berlin

Brussels Permanent Representation to the EU

Canberra

CG Atlanta

CG Boston

CG Chicago

CG New York

CG San Francisco

Edinburgh

Embassy Brussels

Helsinki

London

Lusaka

Madrid

Mexico

Paris

Rome

Seoul

Stockholm

Sydney

Tokyo

Valletta

Vilnius

Washington DC

Facebook

New Delhi

Sydney