Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
220. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will address the concerns in relation to the St. Brigid’s day advertisement raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11367/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, 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. This was supplemented by material which issued on the social media channels of my Department highlighting the role of St Brigid of Kildare as a key figure in the history of Christianity in Ireland. 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.
My Department has been pleased to profile outstanding contributions of Irish religious internationally in its communications more generally. As part of the Department's 2025 St Patrick's Day social media campaign, 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 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. Our Departmental communications will continue to feature the very significant international contributions of Irish religious in its global communications over the years ahead.
