Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
273. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she plans to meet with any religious groups that have raised specific concerns into how the image of St. Bridget was used in an advert produced by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12329/26]
View answerMy Department's video for our St Brigid’s Day 2026 social media campaign highlighted the achievements of Irish women internationally. The video was published in 19 languages globally. The video was also one element of a broader campaign across the social media channels of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Additional content highlighted the role of St Brigid of Kildare as a key figure in the history of Christianity in Ireland.
No specific feedback has been received directly from any religious groups. As with all information and awareness campaigns undertaken by my Department, feedback received informs future campaigns and opportunities.
More generally, I would note that my Department profiles the outstanding international contributions of Irish religious on a regular basis and this will continue in our global communications over the years ahead. As part of the Department's flagship St Patrick's Day social media campaign in 2025, the vital humanitarian work of Fr Shay Cullen in the Philippines was highlighted in both the video and associated communications. In addition, my Department has profiled the work of Irish religious sisters on www.ireland.ie, the international platform for the Government of Ireland, which has included articles detailing the work of Sr Teresa McKeon in Sierra Leone, Sr Louise Horgan in Thailand and Sr Orla Tracey in South Sudan, among others.
My Department is also proud to support the work of Irish missionaries though Misean Cara, which we helped establish in 2004 as the link between Irish missionary organisations and Ireland's Official Development Assistance programme. In 2023, my Department renewed a four year partnership with Misean Cara, and committed to providing annual funding of €15.5 million in support of its members' vital work globally on education, health, climate resilient agriculture and human rights.
