Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
446. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education if her Department uses community radio for advertising and public awareness campaigns; if not, the reason, given the vital role community radio often plays in the dissemination of information to local communities; if her Department will consider using community radio for public awareness campaigns in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14165/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department works closely with a media buying agency to plan its radio advertising for public awareness campaigns. Local and regional radio are included as part of the Department's radio advertising media plans. The media agency have advised that community radio stations are not commercially licenced and therefore inventory is not available to trade commercially.
My Department does advertise on Raidio na Life, particularly since the introduction of the Official Languages Act, following the granting of their commercial licence.
The performance of advertising campaigns is carefully monitored. The choice of media is tailored to each campaign to maximise performance and awareness in the selected target audience. The Department of Education channels of communications are kept under review, including channels selected for radio advertising.
