Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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163. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, 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 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. [49146/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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In response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that the engagement of all service-providers by my Department is done within the parameters of value for money with every effort made to minimise costs. In line with stated Government policy, all public bodies must use a competitive process for the purchase of any goods and services, whatever the value.

The OPW has availed of the centralised framework agreement for photographic services established by the Department of Foreign Affairs (and made available to other Government Departments) where possible.

The following table outlines the total amount spent on photography costs by my Department since coming to office:

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Photography Costs since 2011