Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24756/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that photographic services are only used by my Department to mark high profile events and when considered absolutely necessary. Consideration is given at all times to the cost involved and best value for money is always a priority when sourcing such services. In this regard it should be noted that this service was tendered for in May 2011 and Maxwell Photography were awarded the contract as their tender represented the best value for money. The photography costs for my Department since my appointment is set out in tabular form.

Finally, the Deputy might wish to note that questions concerning Ministerial allowances are solely a matter for the Oireachtas.