Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

487. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department has undertaken procurement processes relating to consultancy agencies, media or otherwise, to assist it with formulating or contributing to policy messaging on social media or videos relating to her departmental strategies or policies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15383/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department has availed of an OGP (Office of Government Procurement) multi supplier framework agreement relating to the provision of creative and digital campaign services.  My Department is currently in the process of procuring from another multi supplier framework agreement relating to the provision of Republic of Ireland media, strategy, planning and buying services. 

My Department engaged a production company via a Department of An Taoiseach contract to produce a video for the launch of the First 5 Strategy.  The video was widely viewed online and has been used at various other communications events since the launch. 

My Department procured Communications and Consultancy Services through an open procurement procedure and media buying and planning services through the OGP Framework.  This assisted with the formulation of the Affordable Childcare Scheme (ACS) Communication Strategy and the launch of the 'September Measures' campaign in 2017.  A series of measures were implemented at that time which allowed parents to access some of the scheme's benefits whilst work on the development of ACS legal and technical infrastructure was still ongoing.  An intensive Information Campaign was undertaken, aimed at raising awareness and engagement with the 'September Measures'.  This information campaign included  

- Information packs, including Early Years Service Provider Booklets, Posters and Parent Leaflets

- A dedicated website () with nearly 1 million hits to date

- Radio advertising on local and national radio

- Transport advertising

- Targeted Digital advertising on social media and popular media websites

- Advertisements on 66 billboards nationwide

- Information briefings for elected officials, government departments, charities and other stakeholder groups

- Press events and launches

- Eight DCYA hosted information sessions nationwide and numerous more hosted by County Childcare Committees. 

Over 80,000 children benefitted from the 'September Measures' childcare supports in the first year and approximately 90% of service providers signed up to participate. 

Videographers have been procured using appropriate procurement procedures for items such as the launch of the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy Video, youth friendly version, and for the findings of the youth consultation.  A Comhairle video was also procured and hosted on  the website for Comhairle na nÓg under a Department contract.  In 2017 further items procured were an animation for a DVD and a video production for 'So, How Was School Today?' Report Launch.

My Department has found that the providers procured in this field have been beneficial to disseminating information to the widest possible audience as proven by the results of campaigns.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

488. To ask 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]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My 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.