Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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217. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average costs associated with processing and answering written and oral parliamentary questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49122/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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While a considerable amount of time is spent answering Parliamentary Questions, it is not possible to quantify the costs involved. Officials are assigned to deal with Parliamentary Questions as part of their duties. They are answered by officials who deal with the particular issue(s) raised in Parliamentary Questions. Cost associated with processing individual answers depend on the complexity of the issue raised and whether priority, oral or written. In 2016 my Department responded to 3,434 Parliamentary Questions and to date in 2017 my Department has responded to 3,801 Parliamentary Questions.