Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will implement a request (details supplied) for inclusion in all scheduled advertising and public awareness campaigns by his Department. [23527/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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From time to time, the Department uses print and broadcast media for an advertising or public awareness campaign. It recognises the important role local and community radio stations can play in such campaigns. I understand that campaigns are carried out by commercial advertising agencies which advise on the best approach with regard to the subject matter and the need to reach the widest possible audience in the most cost-effective manner. The use of local and community radio stations in the Department's advertising and public awareness campaigns depends on the nature of the particular campaign and the need to achieve value for money.

I have brought the details supplied by the Deputy to the attention of the relevant sections in the Department. The Department is making increasing use of its website, www.dfa.ie, for public awareness campaigns. Following a recent upgrade, there is now an extensive range of information freely available to the public from that source, including on matters such as passport application procedures and travel safety overseas. In addition, a separate website maintained by the Department's Development Aid Directorate, www.irishaid.gov.ie, gives extensive information on Ireland's overseas development aid programme. The Department encourages local and community radio stations to raise public awareness of these valuable information resources.