In devising a new strategy to inform communications work in the Houses of the Oireachtas, we asked for opinions on how people connect with Parliament.
In formulating a new communications strategy aspiring to purposeful actions across the various communications services, information was gathered over several months in 2025 to establish a clear, data-informed baseline against which progress can be measured over short, medium and longer periods.
There were 524 respondents to the surveys
The data from our surveys captured perceptions and behaviours around Oireachtas communications, levels of awareness among key audiences and gaps in service. Such a baseline ensures that our actions can be targeted, realistic and aligned with recorded opinion rather than being based on assumptions.
Survey respondents by age profile
These findings indicate that people are mostly satisfied with our services, with core services such as broadcasting and web performing well, although they also clearly point to a need to connect better with people and to make specific, targeted improvements in certain areas.
We asked both internal and external stakeholders for their opinion.
Perceived importance of our communications services as reported by respondents from outside the Houses of the Oireachtas
External stakeholders comprise representatives from media, the wider civil and public service, NGOs, education and the general public. Various dissemination methods for the public-facing survey were used, including a strategy involving local libraries, in order to maximise the number of respondents.
Internal stakeholders comprise staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service working across various support services to Members of the Oireachtas and the work of Parliament.
Respondents to the survey gave their opinion on the discrete parts of our communication work in the Oireachtas, including:
- Broadcasting and the streaming of live proceedings of Parliament
- Oireachtas TV channel
- Oireachtas website
- Social media
- Media relations
- Public engagement
- Education and outreach
A multi-year communications strategy has been drafted based on the findings of our research. This will go through several governance steps before being finalised. It supports and advances the aim of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to be a democratic parliament working effectively for the people as set out in the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.