Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 January 2014

Thursday, 16 January 2014

Questions (264)

Niall Collins

Question:

264. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1849/14]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The total costs for photography paid by the Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 to date is set out in the folowing table.

Date	Occasion	Company	Cost
25/3/2011	Ministerial File Portrait Package	Maxwell Photography	€393.25 (Including VAT)
9/11/2011	Launch of Winter Ready Campaign	Maxwell Photography	€849.42 (Including VAT)
21/11/2012	Launch of Winter Ready Campaign	Fennell Photography	€116.85 (including VAT)

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, following an EU-level advertised procurement process, has established a Framework Agreement comprising five firms for the provision of photography services. The Framework was established in February 2012 and is open for use by all Government Departments and Offices. My Department avails of this Framework Agreement for photography needs.

I am satisfied that the usage and costs incurred in the hiring of photographers represents value for money. I remain committed to an overall policy of reducing costs and maximising efficiencies.