Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2005
760 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent by her Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in her Department in respect of purchases of briefcases; the number of staff who have received briefcases; the number of staff who have received refunds for briefcases they purchased; the largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29407/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2003 the Department of Education and Science spent €888.70 on briefcases. The amount refunded to staff in respect of purchases of briefcases in this period was €888.70. The number of staff who received briefcases and received refunds for the briefcases they purchased was seven. The largest single amount paid or refunded in respect of one briefcase was €150.00.
761 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in her Department; the cost of same; the cost of the most expensive personal digital assistant purchased to date; the grades to which these devices are issued; if personal digital assistants are issued as a matter of course or are subject to preparation of a business case which is subsequently scrutinised; if so, by whom the final decision on allocation of personal digital assistants is made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29422/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraSome 20 personal digital assistants have been provided to staff in the Department. The total cost was €5,073, including VAT. The cost of the most expensive PDA was €361, including VAT. The devices were issued on a limited basis to the Secretary General, members of the management advisory committee, ministerial staff and IT support personnel.
Personal digital assistants are not allocated as a matter of course. A request for a PDA must be supported by a business case approved by the head of the relevant business unit. The request is then assessed by the IT unit and either granted or refused.
