The government spent over €11,000 on Facebook adverts during the election campaign, with the European Affairs Ministry forking out more than half that amount.

Figures tabled in Parliament this week show that between the day Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced the election on May 1 and the June 3 election, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Home Affairs, European Affairs, Education and Energy Ministries spent €11,460 on Facebook adverts.

The European Affairs Ministry spent over half the total amount – €6,991.

In her reply to a parliamentary question, however, Minister Helena Dalli, who was given the European Affairs portfolio when the new Cabinet was formed last month, said that the expenses incurred were related to the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Dr Dalli also pointed out that the use of Facebook served as an integral part of the promotion of the Maltese presidency.

“The adverts on Facebook were bought to increase the number of followers and to promote the cultural activities taking place, as well as the presidency’s achievements,” Dr Dalli said.

During the same period, a further €2,209.82 was spent by the Office of the Prime Minister, with €2,124.91 spent in advertising by the Malta Information Technology Agency.

A further €1,978.50 was spent by the Education Ministry and its entities.

The remaining €85.52 was spent by the Malta Gaming Authority and the Malta Communications Authority.

Energy Minister Joe Mizzi also tabled figures for advertising by fuel distributor Enemed which he said totalled €298.06 excluding VAT.

On the advertising by Enemalta during the same period, Mr Mizzi said that the cost could not be revealed, as the figures were commercially sensitive.

According to Mr Mizzi, none of the other entities which form part of the ministry had spent any money on Facebook adverts.

claire.caruana@timesofmalta.com