asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the cost of officially provided Christmas greeting cards sent by him in 1968, if the postage was provided free by his Department and, if so, the cost; if he can give an estimate of cards on order for this year; and if the cards will be sent post free.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Christmas Greeting Cards.
76.
The cost of Christmas greeting cards issued by me, as Minister for Justice, in 1968 was £57. The estimated cost for this year is £55. Postage is official paid and the estimated cost, at the ordinary postal rates, is £14 for 1968 and £17 for this year.
77.
asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state the cost of officially provided Christmas greeting cards sent by him in 1968; if the postage was provided free by his Department and, if so, the cost; if he can give an estimate of cards on order for this year; and if the cards will be sent post free.
The cost of the Christmas greeting cards sent by the Minister for External Affairs in 1968 was £171. The cost of all official mail including Christmas greeting cards is borne on the Department's Vote. A record is not kept of the postage on individual items. The cost of Christmas greeting cards in the current year is estimated at £145. The usual practice in respect of postage will be continued. As in previous years practically all these cards will be sent to persons outside Ireland.
I do not have any objection to the sending of these cards, this is the practice at Christmas, but would the Minister see that all such cards are at least made in Ireland?
I can assure the Deputy that particular care is taken about that. In fact, in my own case, not only are they made in this country but they contain reproductions of works of art from our National Gallery.
(Cavan): Would the Taoiseach ensure that there is not an instruction given to destroy or burn the card?
That is a separate question.