asked the Taoiseach if he will state (a) for himself and (b) for the Parliamentary Secretary the cost of officially provided Christmas cards and greetings sent in 1969; if the postage was provided free by his Department; if so, the cost in each case; if he will give an estimate of the cost of cards on order for this year under each heading; and if the cards will be sent free.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - official Christmas Cards.
1.
The cost of official Christmas greeting cards sent by me in 1969 was £293. As postal charges on officially-provided cards are largely recouped to the Vote for the Department of Posts and Telegraphs on the basis of estimates prepared by that Department for all departmental correspondence issued, it is not possible to give the exact cost of postage in 1969, but it is estimated at £31. It is estimated that the cost of official Christmas greeting cards this year will be £300; the cost, together with the cost of postage involved, will be borne by my Department. Cards for my private use are provided at my own expense; I also pay the postage on such cards.
As regards my Parliamentary Secretary, the cost of Christmas cards sent in 1969 was £56 and the postage is estimated at £6. It is estimated that the cost of cards to be sent in 1970 will be £21.