The information requested by the Deputy on the amount spent by the Department, and those bodies under its aegis, in respect of attendance at the National Ploughing Championships is set out in the table.
These costs relates to stand rental, marquee design and fit-out. The Department does not engage in promotional or advertising activities as described by the Deputy and no costs have arisen in this regard during the period in question. Where bodies under the aegis of the Department are represented at the Ploughing Championships they are accommodated within the Department's area.
Employee costs including salary, overtime and expenses in respect of staff attending this event are paid in accordance with standard civil service norms.
Year
|
Expenditure to date
|
2016
|
€ 54,569
|
2017
|
€125,282*
|
2018
|
€ 65,807
|
2019
|
€ 91,904
|
* The higher figure for 2017 reflects the requirement to provide a larger area for the Department to accommodate the Rural and Community Affairs function of the Department at that time, as well as a one-off performance space which was jointly promoted by the Department and the Arts Council.