John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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182. To ask the Minister for Finance the apps his Department or attached agencies have been involved in developing for smartphones and other multimedia devices in the past three years; the cost and the software developer employed in each case. [5459/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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An innovative approach to the EU Presidency in 2013 was adopted by my Department in the development of the EU Presidency App which was available on iTunes and the Google Play Store. This App was designed to assist all delegations coming to Ireland to enjoy a more interactive way of finding out relevant information for their meetings, travel, accommodation and other amenities. 

The app: 

- showcased Ireland as a Technology hub;

- highlighted key features of our drive towards a knowledge economy; and

- provided practical information about Dublin to visiting delegates and provided information about EU Presidency events in Dublin Castle.  

The App was subject to the Presidency sponsorship guidelines drafted by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade. The total estimated cost for the development of the App was in excess of €73,000.  Deloitte agreed to provide the majority of the development and project management costs free of charge and it was agreed that the Department of Finance would fund the design, digital architecture, licensing and a portion of the development costs.  The invoice from Deloitte (24 May 2013) was for €25,000 plus VAT of €5,750. 

This is the only App that my Department or attached agencies have been involved in developing for smart phones and other multimedia devices in the past three years.