The Department of Agriculture‘s photography budget topped €30k in three years.
Photographers are booked for the purpose of recording key events attended by ministers, such as the launch of schemes and programmes, new initiatives and visits by inward delegations.
According to the department, where possible, its press office uses in-house photography. The policy for booking a photographer for official purposes is that the press office seeks three quotes in advance of each photo-shoot to keep costs to a minimum.
Since the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, came into office, the total spend on photographers has been more than €30k. In 2011, €25,853 was paid out, €4,916 in 2012 and just €1,320 in 2013.
In addition, it was also confirmed that the department does not hire external public relations firms or communications consultants.