Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount spent by his Department on briefcases; the amount refunded to staff in his 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [29398/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling the data sought by the Deputy and I shall forward them to him as soon as possible.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 445: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of personal digital assistants provided to staff in his 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [29413/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has purchased 77 personal digital assistants over the last four years, at a total cost of €10,105. The most expensive single unit was purchased for €756 in 2002, when units were considerably more expensive than today. The personal digital assistants are issued to individual officers based on a business case endorsed by their superior and accepted by the service delivery manager in information systems division who has effective final say in the matter.

The use of personal digital assistants enhances accessibility and business efficiency, particularly for technical professional staff operating in the field and staff engaged in regular travel on official business. The increasing convergence of these devices with voice communication and remote access to back-office systems such as electronic mail is rapidly enhancing their utility.