In the past three years, my Department has purchased 31 briefcases at a cost of €1,370. Fourteen briefcases were allocated to members of staff who use a briefcase on a regular basis. The remaining briefcases are available for short-term use by staff. In the same period €55 was refunded to one member of staff in respect of a purchase of a briefcase. The largest amount paid for one briefcase was €143. All briefcases purchased or paid for by my Department remain the property of the Department and are allocated to staff for official business use.
If the Deputy wishes to bring to my attention, by way of representations from him, the names and addresses of any briefcase manufacturers he has a particular interest in, I can bring it to the attention of the relevant departmental officials concerned.