Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
253. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to complaints in relation to the use of the imagery of St. Bridget in the recent campaign led by her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9885/26]
View answer254. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the way in which the campaign led by her Department (details supplied) was designed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9886/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has managed international programming and messaging related to St. Brigid’s Day on an annual basis since 2017, with a special focus on celebrating the achievements of Irish women internationally. This year sees the broadest diplomatic support by our Embassy and Consulate network to date for this uniquely Irish celebration. Events organised by DFAT Missions globally for St. Brigid’s Day are often held in partnership with local cultural institutions, artists, academics, civil society organisations and Irish diaspora communities, with most taking place across the month of February.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses social media and online platforms to communicate public awareness campaigns, to promote essential services to citizens and to highlight Irish positions and values internationally. Our social media and online platforms are also utilised, in conjunction with Team Ireland partners, to promote Ireland as a place to trade, invest, visit and study. This approach towards content on social media aligns to the approach of other Foreign Ministries in communicating key messages to international audiences. Over the last number of years, multimedia digital content campaigns have amassed tens of millions of views internationally, resulting also in traffic to key Government of Ireland platforms, including Ireland.ie.
My Department's video for the 2026 St. Brigid’s Day social media campaign, highlighting the achievements of Irish women internationally, issued in 19 languages globally and received a range of feedback, much of which was positive or constructive. As in all such instances, feedback received, including constructively critical feedback, will help to inform future digital campaigns and opportunities to deliver key messages about Ireland to international audiences.
