Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have already addressed that. As I mentioned, these accounts have been developed at no cost. The social media presence and its management are undertaken by the Department's in-house communications and press office team of five staff. They also look after the traditional press office duties. Regarding social media, I am not an expert, although I have someone separately in my own sphere who does my social media, but the issue is quality not quantity. Stating how many posts there have been is not relevant to engagement or reach. It is always about quality and not just constantly putting up different posts.

The use of social media, however, is of importance to the Department given the nature of its work. The mission of the Department is to promote, nurture and develop Ireland's arts, culture and heritage, to support and promote the use of the Irish language and to facilitate the development of the Gaeltacht and the islands. Social media gives us an opportunity to offer a unique window into the richness and variety of our culture and gives easy access to information on galleries, museums and events taking place locally. On heritage, social media helps to give the public knowledge and opportunities to experience our nature parks and our nature resources and waterways. It also builds awareness and knowledge of our national heritage and biodiversity and raises the appreciation of the Irish language.

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