Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
54. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of the Government of Ireland: Brexit Communications online newsletter; the number of persons who input content and provide information technology support on an annual basis; the budget allocation in 2018; and the amount expended since established. [12740/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with Special Responsibility for Brexit, I have been particularly keen that the Irish public remain fully informed and up-to-date on the direct implications and challenges of Brexit for citizens and for key sectors of Ireland’s economy and on the Government’s approach to addressing these.
The Government Brexit Update email service forms part of our overall strategy in this regard. Previously operated by the Department of An Taoiseach, it was re-launched last month along with a new dedicated Brexit website – www.dfa.ie/Brexit. The Update is issuing on a regular basis via a commercial provider (MailChimp) and provides information on latest developments in the ongoing Brexit negotiations, on the latest available research publications and on engagement at Government level. It also highlights the range of business supports that are available through the various Government enterprise agencies.
Content for the Update is prepared by two staff members attached to the Brexit / EU Communications Section of my Department’s Communications Unit on the basis of inputs received from other relevant Divisions within my Department (in particular those leading on EU matters and on Ireland-UK relations) as well as from other Government Departments. As the service is relatively simple to operate, the necessity for ongoing support from my Department’s ICT Unit is minimal.
Expenditure incurred since last month’s re-launch of the Update has so far comprised €48.48 in direct costs and €723.77 in paid online advertising which was undertaken to promote awareness of the service. At present the overall projected budget in this area during 2018 is €1200 but we will keep this figure under review as the Brexit negotiations unfold and the ongoing public information needs of Irish citizens and key economic sectors are assessed throughout this year. Obtaining full value for money in respect of Exchequer funds will obviously remain an important criterion at all stages.
