439. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht 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 list of 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. [29096/14]

The table lists the occasions on which photographers were booked for events for the period, since the establishment of my Department in June 2011 to date, the photographers or photographic companies engaged, and the actual or estimated cost associated with each specific occasion. The total cost amounts to €10,731.63. This includes costs both for the booking of photographers and some general ancillary costs, such as postage, etc, where relevant. In a small number of cases, final invoices are still awaited.

* Part of a package of two events for the price of one

The hiring of photographers for Ministerial or Departmental events is dependent on a number of factors, including the nature of the engagement, the expected level of media interest and the national/regional scope of the subject. At all times, value for money is a critical consideration in the context of the booking of photographers.