Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - Mobile Telephones.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

299 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the name and status of the non-established staff, including programme managers and advisers employed in a temporary, part-time or permanent capacity who have been supplied with mobile telephones and fax machines for their home residences since the commencement of this Government; the estimated cost in each individual case; the total estimated cost to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6465/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

My programme manager has the use of a mobile phone since February 1995 and a fax/phone in her home since March 1995. The purchase cost of the mobile phone was approximately £484. Bills for these facilities to date total £895.84 including VAT, rental and connection fees.

The special adviser to Minister of State, Deputy Burton, was given the use of a mobile phone for two months in 1995. The costs incurred for this period were £156.61 inclusive of VAT, rental and a connection fee of £50.

The total costs to the Department amount to £1,052.45