Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2014

Thursday, 18 December 2014

Questions (545)

Barry Cowen

Question:

545. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government 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. [49140/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Since taking up appointment as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, the only external photographic service engaged was in respect of the launch of the new Social Housing Strategy in November 2014. In that instance, the service provider was Maxwell Photography and the cost involved was €551.04. My Department’s Press Office generally provides photographic services when required. However, if external photography services are required, they are obtained in line with the Whole-of-Government Optional Framework for Photography Services, details of which are available from the Office of Government Procurement.