Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 6

Written Answers. - Provision of Telecommunications Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the number of items of telecommunications equipment such as fax machines, telephone lines including phone plus systems, and other such equipment provided by her Department to the ministerial assistants, programme managers, special assistants, or advisers who are acting for herself or her Minister of State which have been paid for through her Department's Vote or other State subvention; and if she will make a Statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

A total of six items of telecommunications equipment comprising three fax machines and three mobile telephones, which have recently been purchased by my Department, are currently being used by the persons mentioned in the Question.

These items remain the property of the Department.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

171 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the total cost of the provision of telecommunications equipment for herself, her Minister of State, special advisers and other such persons for the year ending 31 December 1992, and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

An amount of £9,600 was spent in 1992 in respect of the provision of telecommunications equipment in my Department which was used by the persons mentioned in the question and which continues to be used. Of the foregoing amount, £7,600 was spent on the upgrading of an obsolete telephone system.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

172 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the number of extra mobile phones and car telephones provided for herself, her Minister of State, programme managers, advisers, or assistants, since the formation of the Government; the cost of such service in a full year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

One extra mobile telephone has been purchased by my Department for the use of the persons mentioned in the question since the formation of the Government. No additional car telephones were purchased.

The purchase cost of the item in question was £1,150. Rental cost is approximately £360 per annum. The annual cost of calls cannot be established at this stage.