THE DEPARTMENT OF the Taoiseach spent €23,889.64 on photography services in 2016 – more than double the total of the previous year, which came in at just under €10,000.
The 1916 commemorations and the visit of former US vice-president Joe Biden both contributed to the overall cost of services last year.
The overall amount paid for photographs by the Department of the Taoiseach since Kenny took office in 2011 is more than €130,000.
2013 was the most expensive year, when over €40,000 was paid out. Ireland held the presidency of the European Union that year, while the Eucharistic Congress was also held here.
Last year’s figures were released in response to a parliamentary question submitted by Labour TD Seán Sherlock last week.
The highest amount paid out, €4,674, was for the services of the Irish Gallery of Photography for work done at a 1916 centenary State reception in Dublin Castle.
The public relations expenditures of several other departments were also released to Sherlock in response to his parliamentary questions.
The Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs spent close to €10,000 on photographs in 2016 and the Department of Health spent just over €5,000.
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