Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019
488. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which her departmental officials have been contributing to and taking part in Government of Ireland social media messages; the way in which they are co-ordinated in each of the policy areas of her Department; the Department that is the lead Department in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15400/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Press Office manages the social media account of my Department and issues social media messages in relation to my Department's business, and on Government of Ireland initiatives.
On occasion policy units of my Department may issue social media information messages, in relation to specific campaigns or initiatives undertaken by my Department.
For Government of Ireland initiatives, the lead Department(s) involved would liaise with officials of my Department as required; with regard to my Department's social media account being used as part of the process to notify the public of the initiative.
An example of where my Department had a lead role in a Government of Ireland initiative, was the preparation for the launch of First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families. The launch on 19th November 2018, was attended by the Taoiseach and I, as well as other Ministers. My officials engaged with their colleagues in the Department of the Taoiseach to co-ordinate the event and the communications for it. A video recording of the proceedings on the day of the launch, as well as communication of key messages for the strategy, were issued by my Department's Press Office via social media.
