Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

350. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount her Department and associated agencies have spent on social media advertising since the beginning of January 2021 until 12 June 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32620/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department administers over 90 separate schemes and services, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State. The Department is committed to ensuring that members of the public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services that are available to them and public information campaigns are an important part of this work.

During the period 01 January 2021 to 12 June 2021, the Department delivered a total of 5 public information campaigns in 2021. Advertising was carried across a range of media, including social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), as well as national and regional print and radio, and targeted digital advertising. The aim of the campaigns was to increase public awareness of the available income supports and the Department’s relevant schemes and services.

All public information campaigns are developed and targeted carefully in using the best mix of media formats to ensure that the Department’s messages reach members of the public effectively, while ensuring value for money.

The cost of social media advertising from 01 January 2021 until 12 June 2021 is outlined below in tabular form. Please note that these figures exclude VAT, ASAI, and agency fees.

Social Media Advertising Expenditure (01 January 2021 to 12 June 2021)

* Invoiced to 12 June 2021. The figure excludes a spend of €6,700 on social media advertising for the Pensions Commission Consultation which was paid for by the Commission but facilitated by DSP.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

351. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount her Department has spent on social media content production since the beginning of January 2021 until 12 June 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32637/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department administers over 90 separate schemes and services, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State. The Department is committed to ensuring that members of the public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services that are available to them, especially during the ongoing pandemic, and public information campaigns are an important part of this work.

During the period, 01 January to 12 June 2021, the Department of Social Protection delivered 5 public information campaigns across a range of media including national and regional print publications, national and regional radio, and digital and social media advertising. These campaigns were designed to increase public awareness of the available income supports, schemes and services, and to provide opportunities for greater public engagement and input into important public consultations.

The total cost associated with the production of social media content from 01 January 2021 until 12 June 2021 is €4,616* excluding VAT.

*Invoiced to 12 June 2021. This figure excludes spend on social media content production for the Pensions Commission Consultation at a cost of €560 ex VAT, which has been paid for by the Pensions Commission.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

352. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount her Department and all associated agencies have spent on public relations consultancy costs since January 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32654/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There has been no expenditure on public relations consultancy by the Department of Social Protection, or by any of the agencies under its aegis, since January 2021.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.