Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. [29401/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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At end September 2005 there were 979.17 full-time equivalent staff serving in my Department. In the past 18 months my Department spent €941.22 in respect of 20 briefcases, the majority of which were required by labour inspectors and the average cost of briefcases purchased during this period was €47. There were no refunds to staff in respect of briefcases. The largest amount paid for one briefcase was €112.46.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. [29416/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department uses the Blackberry as its PDA-type device of preference. This device gives selected officers of the Department the ability to keep up-to-date with their e-mail and appointments schedule while away from the office, while also providing mobile phone services.

At present there are 83 of these devices in use in my Department and its associated offices, out of a total staff serving at end of September of 979.17. The device is normally only made available to officers at principal level and above; however, it can also be made available to other officers where there is a clear benefit to the Department. In such instances, a business case supported by the relevant assistant secretary is required before issue of a Blackberry. The current grade breakdown of those supplied with Blackberry devices is as follows:- Minister: 1, Secretary General: 1, Assistant Secretary: 7, Principal Officer: 24, Assistant Principal Officer: 13, Assistant. Sec/PO/AP equivalent grades: 10, Private Secretary: 3, Higher Executive Officer: 3, ODCA Inspectors: 20 and Clerical Officer: 1. The cost of the Blackberry is currently around €250 plus VAT per device, plus an ongoing monthly service charge of between €30 and €36 plus VAT, depending on the service provider. To avoid unnecessary equipment and line rental charges, officers are required to use the Blackberry device as their mobile phone. Prior to the move to the Blackberry, the dearest PDA purchased cost €395 plus VAT.