33. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total amount her Department and Departmental agencies have spent in 2025 and to date in 2026 on social media and web advertising; the proportion this is of her Department's advertising budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60915/26]

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses social media and online platforms, including through paid advertising, to communicate public awareness campaigns and promote essential services to citizens at home and abroad, including passport and consular services. Social media is also used by the Department and its Missions abroad to highlight Irish positions, interests and values internationally. Successfully communicating Ireland’s values and interests to global audiences is integral to implementing our foreign policy objectives as set out in the Programme for Government and the Department’s Statement of Strategy.

The Department’s expenditure at headquarters on social media and web advertising campaigns for the years 2025 and 2026 to date is outlined below.

It should be noted that the costs of communications campaigns related to Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union are not included in the below, as these campaigns are ongoing. These costs will be available at the campaigns' conclusion.

My Department does not have a stand-alone advertising budget. Decisions on the promotion of services, campaigns, initiatives or events are made on a case by case basis.

There are no agencies under the aegis of my Department.