2666. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount his Department and Departmental agencies have spent in 2025 and to date in 2026 on social media and web advertising; the proportion this is of his Department's advertising budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60922/26]

One of my Department’s responsibilities is to provide public information about its wide range of schemes, services, and policies, and this includes public information campaigns. My Department advertises across radio, print, social media and digital media to communicate this important information, and to encourage positive behaviour change in areas such as farm safety, farmer health and well-being and animal welfare.

All advertising including social media and digital advertising is procured in line with public procurement rules through a media buying agency, with media channel selection determined by target audience, best practice and value for money considerations, and ensuring compliance with Irish Language obligations.

In 2025 my Department's spent €119,693.79 on social media and digital advertising which equates to 19% of my Department's total advertising expenditure.

To date in 2026 my Department has spent €147,892.17 on social media and digital advertising which equates to 44% of the total spend on advertising.

The information requested by the Deputy regarding public bodies under the aegis of my department is an operational matter for the public body themselves. I have referred this query to the bodies under the aegis of my department and have asked that they respond directly to the Deputy.