Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2014

Thursday, 18 December 2014

Questions (331)

Barry Cowen

Question:

331. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide, 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 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. [49136/14]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Since coming to office, I have not used my Ministerial allowance for photography. The only photography costs incurred by my Department were in respect of the recent Comhairle na nÓg national showcase event at Croke Park on 20th November 2014. This biennial event included a celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and was attended by the Taoiseach. The photographer was booked by Foróige but the cost of €522.75 was paid by my Department.