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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Government advertising and emissions

Summary

The Leader responded to criticism of Government advertising by defending departmental information campaigns and disputing claims of rebranding. He then addressed greenhouse gas emissions, saying there would be debates on the issue, and noted the Tallaght women's refuge and road safety points.

I commend Senator Coffey for his work and I share with Senator Grace O'Sullivan the need to see the development continue.

Senator Bacik raised an issue pertaining to the investigation in the Department of Justice and Equality. When the Taoiseach has an outline of the matter, he will come to the House to discuss the matter. Senators McDowell, Ó Domhnaill and Nash raised the Government of Ireland initiative. Senator McDowell's memory is either failing him or he is forgetting that he was in the Cabinet which approved many an advertisement on behalf of all Departments. As he knows well, Departments spend money on public advertising. Senator Warfield referenced voter registration. There is a campaign organised every year around the register. Whether the advertisement is outdated or not is a different matter, and how we can improve the advertisement is an issue which we can discuss. Certainly the issue of social welfare advertisements is not new. We had advertisements regarding social welfare fraud, road safety and the Wild Atlantic Way.

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The Leader did not call them "Government of Ireland initiatives". The bad news is never referred to as a "Government of Ireland initiative".

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We have advertisements on health and safety, fire safety and each one of them-----

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The Government of Ireland brand was on none of them.

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As Senator McDowell knows quite well - he is being mischievous now-----

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I am not. I will tell the Leader this much.

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It is not part of the strategic communications unit. They are departmental initiatives.

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They are rebranding by the communications unit.

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As Senator McDowell knows quite well, as a former Minister who signed off on advertising, it is a departmental initiative-----

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I never did that.

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Reining in Fine Gael.

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-----which encompasses many varied forms.

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

The Leader is saying that it is a promulgation of certain benefits to society.

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It is a rebranding exercise.

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The irony is that Senator Warfield is being critical of the money being expended on voter registration and Senator McDowell is saying the opposite. We need to spend money to inform people of different things.

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It is a rehash of the Creative Ireland brand.

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Government money is being expended and we will get value for the money we spend. It is not a new idea. It is happening since time began.

Senator Devine raised the issue of greenhouse gas emissions. I am not sure if she checked the clár for this week but we will have two debates this week on the matter she raised.

Senator Ruane made very valid point on the women's refuge in Tallaght and South Dublin County Council. I hope that the matter can be pursued. Perhaps as a means of expediting the matter, Senator Ruane may consider tabling a Commencement matter.

I join Senator Gallagher in commending Garda Campbell for his initiative with transition year students in Monaghan. He might consult with Senator McDowell in regard to the manner in which we are promoting road safety. It is about ensuring that young people are made aware of the issues and how we do it. Senator McDowell might be critical of a garda going in-----

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