Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
48. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the background of the campaign his Department and others commenced on 4 September 2019 regarding increasing Brexit preparation; the details of the procurement process; the person or body responsible for co-ordinating same; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36782/19]
View answer49. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the involvement of his Department in the public relations campaign that started on 4 September 2019 on national and local radio on Brexit preparation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36800/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.
The Government-wide ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready’ public information campaign was launched on 20 September 2018.
In the initial phase of this campaign, my Department organised “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” public information events in Cork, Galway, Monaghan, Dublin, Limerick and Donegal throughout autumn 2018 to inform and advise citizens and businesses about Brexit preparedness and the range of support measures and resources that the Government has put in place. These events brought together over a dozen Agencies and their parent Departments – the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport - under one roof and were attended by approximately 2,500 people over the October-November period.
In the lead up to the March and April Brexit deadlines, my Department working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach and other Government Departments initiated a Brexit preparedness public information campaign, This campaign ran to ensure that key audiences are aware of the potential impact of a no deal Brexit and the mitigation measures that they can take, with the support of Government where appropriate and with particular reference to the gov.ie/Brexit website. This campaign activity was across TV, radio, print, internet and social media.
Building on the ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready’ roadshows and the broad ranging information campaign in advance of the March and April Brexit deadlines, I along with Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister Helen McEntee launched ‘Getting Your Business Brexit Ready – Practical Steps’ campaign on 4 September. This campaign informs businesses and consumers on the practical steps that all businesses should take now to prepare for the UK’s departure from the EU. Central to this campaign is a user-friendly digital booklet, which provides a comprehensive overview for businesses on the core steps they should take and can be accessed at gov.ie/Brexit. The Practical Steps campaign will complement existing business focussed Government initiatives and events taking place in September and October.
In addition to this booklet, a two week national and local radio campaign is urging businesses to take action and review readiness under 9 key areas. This campaign targets businesses and other affected sectors and encourages them to take the necessary steps to help mitigate the risk of a no deal Brexit on 31 October 2019.
Under the auspices of the Department of the Taoiseach, through the Office of Government Procurement, a contract was awarded to TBWA for the provision of integrated creative and digital campaign services. This contract was procured in accordance with standard public procurement rules. As the campaign is currently on going, it is not possible to provide full costs at this time to the Deputy, but they will be available on its conclusion.
