Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Uniforms.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

55 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the cost of uniforms issued by his Department or authorities under the aegis of his Department for each of the years from 1994 to 1996; if he will give a breakdown of such costs; the level, volume and value of stock in store; if he will give details of the quality of materials used; the feedback, if any, there has been on the comfort and benefit to the users of the uniforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11096/97]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

The order of cost of providing official uniforms to certain staff of my Department including the National Museum, the National Library and the National Archives, for each of the years 1994-96 was as follows:

	£
1994	4,700
1995	11,100
1996	11,800

These figures do not include information in relation to staff of the Heritage Service — formerly part of the Office of Public Works — who, as the Deputy is aware, transferred to my Department in the second half of last year.

My Department does not maintain a stock of any uniform items, as all requirements are purchased as needs arise through the Government Supplies Agency (GSA). The Deputy will be aware that the GSA operates a materials quality certification programme. General feedback from staff indicates a favourable attitude towards the wearing of an official uniform.

The Deputy will be aware that I have no function in the day to day operational matters of other bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department.