Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

585. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried out prior to approving these changes. [31372/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Across Government, Departments of State are being restructured to better align with the priorities of the new Government and to fulfil the commitments set out in the Programme for Government. For my Department, this has involved the transfer of the Gaeltacht function, with effect from June 1st, and the renaming of the Department to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with effect from June 2nd.

The work associated with the transfer of functions and the renaming of the Department is being delivered by officials within my Department as part of their duties, and is therefore cost neutral. The updating of website and other digital infrastructure was also completed by officials on a cost neutral basis.

I have instructed my officials to ensure that any expenditure necessary in relation to the Departments transfer of functions and change of name is kept to a minimum. With regard to stationary, in line with our climate action commitments, my Department adopts digital as a default approach. Therefore, official stationery is used only where necessary and is printed inhouse using electronic templates. These have been updated by my officials as part of their routine work. There are some small unavoidable cost such as building signage, and banners for public events and public consultations. I can advise that to date costs have amounted to €1,107. Further costs will be incurred for signage for the buildings occupied by my Department. This procurement is currently underway, and the costs will be known once that is completed. While no further miscellaneous costs have been identified at this stage, as noted, I have instructed my officials to ensure any related expenditure is minimised.