Departmental Communications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023

Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Questions (1497)

Brendan Smith

Question:

1497. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department, and all agencies under the remit of his Department, have their telephone contact details on their websites and on other media platforms; if all stationery and headed notepaper used in correspondence with the public contain relevant phone contact details, taking into account that everybody is not in a position to correspond by e-mail; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36702/23]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

While correspondence with my Department and across Government is increasingly digital in nature, letters and phone calls are still provided for. I can confirm that accurate telephone contact details are provided on my Department’s website, headed paper and social media platforms.

My Department has 4 agencies under its remit: Pobal, Charities Regulator, Western Development Commission and Water Safety Ireland. All are involved in working with, and on behalf of, the Department in the delivery of its objectives in relation to rural development, community development, regulation of the charities sector and promoting water safety in our communities.  

Issues raised by the Deputy in relation to the visibility of telephone contact details on stationery, websites and other media platforms are a matter for the Board and executive management of the agencies in question.  However, I will ensure that my officials remind those agencies of the importance of inclusivity in relation to corresponding with customers.