The total cost of paper supplies including headed paper, compliment slips, envelopes and photocopying paper was €238,700 in the period January to October 2007. Of this figure €104,300 was expended on recycled paper. The cost of other stationery items such as pens, pencils, erasers, paper clips, staples and miscellaneous office supplies was €51,300. It is the policy of my Department to purchase recycled products whenever possible. Due to its texture recycled paper is not compatible with the automated mailing equipment used in the Vehicle Registration Unit in Shannon (now part of the Department of Transport) and this accounted for some €130,000 spent on non-recycled paper.