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

To be clear, the Department has developed its own social media platforms to showcase its work. This is separate from the work undertaken by Creative Ireland and Culture Ireland. Returning to Deputy Smyth's comment regarding Creative Ireland, more money was spent in the first year to create awareness of Creative Ireland in general. However, spending has tapered off significantly since then.

On the Department's social media use, greater use is being made of the Department's Twitter account, which has grown strongly, with 8,346 followers at the end of November. A Facebook account was launched in mid-May of this year and has 2,368 followers. The Department also has an Instagram account, which was launched in mid-May and now has 1,521 followers. 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, which has five staff who also look after the traditional press office duties. Content is also supplied by staff across the Department who are engaged in the day-to-day work of the culture, heritage and Gaeltacht divisions.

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