Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2011

Tuesday, 25 October 2011

Questions (251, 252)

Anne Ferris

Question:

264 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details for the years 2006 to 2011, inclusive, of the arrangements entered into by her, any body under her aegis or State agency for which she has responsibility, for the obtaining of advice from a senior or junior counsel and or a firm of solicitors; the subject matter for which advice was sought; the names of the barristers and solicitors firms concerned and the fees paid; the nature of the work concerned; if in each case the matter was advertised for competitive tender and if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30974/11]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

265 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the total cost to the taxpayer of all works related to the name change of her Department from the Department of Social and Family Affairs to the Department of Social Protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30979/11]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The name of my Department was changed to the Department of Social Protection by the previous Government, following an announcement by the then Taoiseach, in March 2010 regarding a redistribution of Departmental responsibilities, affecting a number of Departments. Additional costs of €30,000 approx. were incurred by my Department in terms of website amendments, stationery costs, changes to signage and information leaflets. As is standard practice, my Department continues to use all remaining stationary, leaflets and other printed materials in the previous name of the Department until it has been exhausted.

The name of the Department was previously changed in 2002, again following a redistribution of responsibilities decided by the Government at that time.

Question No. 266 withdrawn.