Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2015

Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Questions (459)

Barry Cowen

Question:

459. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide, in tabular form, by year, the total photography costs for her Department since coming into office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; if she will provide 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; and if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23424/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The photography costs incurred by my Department from the date of my appointment on the 8th May 2014 to 31st May 2015 are €691.26.

I can inform the Deputy that photographic services are only used by my Department to mark and provide a record of significant occasions. Consideration is given at all times to the costs involved and best value for money is always a priority when sourcing such services.

The total photography costs per annum is as follows:

Costs Per Annum	-
May to December 2014	May to December 2014
January to May 2015	€137.76
Total	€691.26

The list of occasions when photographers were engaged and the associated costs are as follows:

Occasion	Photographer	Cost
Appointment of Chief Executive Designate to Charities Regulatory Authority	Maxwell Photography Ltd	€123.00
First Board Meeting of the Charities Regulatory Authority	Maxwell Photography Ltd	€272.52
Promote safety on Fireworks Night	Maxwell Photography Ltd	€154.98
Total May to December 2014		€553.50
International Women's Day	Maxwell Photography Ltd	€120.54
Archive Photograph	Maxwell Photography Ltd	€17.22
Total January to May 2015		€137.76