Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2014

Thursday, 18 December 2014

Questions (565)

Barry Cowen

Question:

565. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 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. [49137/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Company	Event Date	Event	Cost
Mr Kieran Clancy (freelance photographer)	24 November 2014	National Broadband Plan Mapping Consultation, Doolin, Co. Clare	€282 ex. VAT

Photographers are booked for the purpose of recording key events attended by Ministers, such as the launch of schemes and programmes, new initiatives and visits by inward delegations. 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.