Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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132. To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department has undertaken procurement processes in relation to consultancy agencies, media or otherwise, to assist it with formulating or contributing to policy messaging on social media or videos in terms of his departmental strategies or policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15389/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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In answer to the Deputy's question and following on from receipt of clarification from the Deputy’s office, my Department has not undertaken procurement processes in relation to consultancy agencies, media or otherwise, to assist with formulating or contributing to policy messaging on social media or videos on behalf of my Departmental strategies or policies in 2018 and to date in 2019.

The Deputy will be aware that the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) National Public Procurement Policy Framework sets out the procurement procedures to be followed by Government Departments and State Bodies under national and EU rules. It is Government policy that public bodies, where possible, should make use of OGP Framework agreements when undertaking any procurement processes.

I can advise the Deputy that my Department’s Compliance Officer also performs the role of Procurement Officer and provides guidance and support to staff on undertaking public procurement,  including promoting compliance with EU public procurement directives and regulations. My Department is committed to ensuring that procurement processes undertaken by its staff are carried out in conformity with all relevant national and EU legislation.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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133. To ask the Minister for Finance the way in which his 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 his Department; the Department that is the lead Department in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15406/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that co-ordination of Government of Ireland related social media and web content is led by the Merrionstreet team in the Government Information Service (GIS), which is part of the Department of An Taoiseach.  My Department is routinely requested by the GIS to provide information in relation to areas under the remit of my Department and to retweet specific social media messages. This is co-ordinated by officials in my Department’s Press Office.