I propose to take Questions Nos. 913 and 914 together.
My Department's policy is to restrict spending on entertainment to essential expenditure only. Staff have been instructed that the strictest economy should be observed at all times in relation to entertainment and the limits as set out in Finance Circular 25/2000 must be strictly adhered to.
I am advised that since my Department was established on 2 June 2011 expenditure of €41,790.83 was incurred in providing food and drink at official receptions or launches, working lunches and international events hosted by Ireland. The provision of teas/coffees at meetings has not been included.
A breakdown of this amount is set out in the table below. Given the extensive amount of information to be examined, it has not been possible to provide the comprehensive details sought by the Deputy within the time constraints involved.
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Cost €
|
Description
|
|
5,778.61
|
Working lunches
|
|
8,041.68
|
Launches and other official events, including receptions
|
|
27,970.54
|
International events, including meetings and receptions for delegates, for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the United Nations Environment Programme Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS).
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In addition, expenditure of €4,703.53 was incurred last year by Culture Ireland – which has responsibility for the promotion of Irish arts and artists abroad - including events in the United States in the context of the Imagine Ireland programme and at the Edinburgh Festival.
