Liz O'Donnell
Question:34 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Finance the memorandum or advice, if any, he has circulated to other Departments and State agencies on the need for economy in relation to printed publications and newsletters. [2630/96]
Written Answers. - Departmental Printing Costs.
Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:56 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Finance the memorandum or advice, if any, he has circulated to other Departments and State agencies on the need for economy in relation to printed publications and newsletters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2629/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 56 together.
In order to put this matter in perspective I have set out as follows the cost of printing ordered by Government Departments through the Government Supplies Agency of the Office of Public Works in the years 1991 to 1995.
|
(£000) |
||||
|
1991 |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
|
7,140 |
6,991 |
6,858 |
7,697 |
8,626 |
While the increase in costs between 1993 and 1994 and between 1994 and 1995 were in both cases just over 12 per cent the bulk of these increases are due to substantial increases in the cost of paper rather than to a growth in the quantity of printing. Labour cost increases would also account for a relatively small percentage increase.
Since January 1990 responsibility for funding for printing has been transferred to individual Departments. At that time Standing Instructions were issued to all Departments to ensure the most stringent economies in printing costs and a reminder to this effect was issued again by the Minister for Finance in March 1995.
Notwithstanding what I have said above, the Deputies should be aware that I am very interested, on an ongoing basis, in achieving economies where possible in the area of State procurement. I have therefore asked my officials to examine this and let me have proposals.