Departmental Expenditure

Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Questions (338)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

338. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total sums spent for each year from 2016 to 2025, inclusive of advertising, by his Department on social media or online platforms, including identifying separately payments to influencers on such platforms; and to set out the annual totals for that period to each specific platform, including but not limited to major platforms (details supplied). [4855/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy James Lawless)

My Department works with a Government procured media buying agency to ensure we get the best reach and value for money for our public information campaigns. This often includes the use of social media platforms.

My Department's social media advertising spend from 2021 to date is detailed in the table attached, with a breakdown of the online and digital media platforms used. Included in this spend is monies allocated to my Department under Housing for All funding to address skills gaps in construction.

My Department has not paid social media influencers to promote our information campaigns.

DFHERIS Social Media Advertising Spend 2021-2025