Written answers

Tuesday, 2 October 2018

Department of Rural and Community Development

Departmental Expenditure

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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610. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost of her Department's stand at the National Ploughing Championships 2018; the number of staff deployed from her Department for the week; and the cost of same. [40352/18]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Department arranges an official stand at important events such as the National Ploughing Championships as we believe these are important opportunities for face-to-face engagement with our customers and the general public. The aim of such events is to provide information to customers and to increase awareness of the wide range of services and supports provided by the Department.

A total of 18 staff members attended the event over the three days of the event, with an average of 8 staff in attendance on the stand each day, all dedicated to answering customer enquiries and providing customers with detailed information, booklets, forms and providing service appointments.

Department staff also provided group and individual demonstrations on how to access and use the Departments online service "MyWelfare.ie", which provides access to range of welfare services online, as well as arranging SAFE registration appointments for customers, on request.

The Department uses a reusable and configurable stand for attendance at various events throughout the year, including the national ploughing championships. Therefore no extra costs were incurred for a stand.

The total cost of DEASP attending the Ploughing Championships in 2018 was €8,440.00 including VAT.

Stand pitch cost€6,595.00
Stand equipment, set up and break down of stand €1,845.00

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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