Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Equipment.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

412 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications 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 his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6455/96]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

One fax machine has been supplied to the programme manager at a cost of £1,131. Mobile/portable telephones have also been supplied to the following non-established staff.

Name	Position
Colin McCrea	Programme Manager
Mark Kennelly	Special Adviser to Minister Lowry
Joe Jennings	Press Adviser
Dave Moynan	Special Adviser to Minister of State

The appropriate total cost of purchasing these phones was £4,864. The cost of these phones includes both portable and mobile car phones and were purchased in 1993-95 before the recent rapid increase in the mobile phone market had the effect of reducing very significantly the market price of this equipment.