A Nespresso machine, a Brian Lenihan portrait, and paintings of Cork
Just some of the items that Ministers requested for their new off ices
A NESPRESSO coffee maker, a portrait of the late Brian Lenihan, wireless headsets, and paintings of ‘something to do with Cork’ were among the requests that were made by Government ministers moving into their new offices over the summer.
Staff asked for several specific items for the office of Junior Minister Colm Brophy in the Department of Foreign Affairs, according to internal emails.
This included a coffee machine, a replacement carpet, and a clock and radio. An email from his private secretary said she wanted to follow up on requests: ‘The provision of a coffee machine – Nespresso Vertuo is the minister’s preference. The carpet in Room 102 also needs to be replaced, as there are a number of holes in the carpet due to wear and tear.’
However, the Department said there were no invoices for new purchases, as all computer equipment and furnishings had been provided from ‘existing resources’.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan’s staff asked for help in turning existing press and constituency rooms into a ministerial office, according to emails.
The wish list for the new office included a desk, a chair, a bookcase, a meeting table with chairs, two soft armchairs and a coffee table, lamps, art and flags with holders.
‘I would appreciate if this could be given highest priority,’ said an internal email.
The furnishings were provided from existing Office of Public Works supplies except for three floor lamps that cost a combined €535 and three desk lamps for €110. Electronic equipment for Mr Ryan cost €2,313 according to receipts, with €1,174 paid out for a Surface
Pro laptop, €480 for three headsets and €60 for three mini-cameras.
Another €2,665 was paid out for devices for Hildegarde Naughton, which included €480 for three headsets, a Surface Pro for €1,174 and two printers.
The Department of Public Expenditure said they had provided a range of equipment for their ministers but said they would not disclose the cost. It said a tender was under way for such services but confirmed that Minister Michael McGrath had been equipped with a new Microsoft Surface laptop, an iPad and iPhone. Department of Public Expenditure staff also asked for new paintings for the office of Mr McGrath as the existing artwork was being removed.
‘Is there any chance they [the OPW] might have two they could bring in to replace them – maybe something to do with Cork. I just don’t want blank walls!’
The OPW suggested four pictures by various artists. ‘I’m sorry, none of the artwork is suitable,’ came the response.
An official said they would check again to see if ‘something more appealing’ might be available. ‘[They] will be in their artstore later in the week and will also check for images of Cork, Cork artists…’
Mr McGrath’s staff also looked for a portrait of the late Brian Lenihan Jr. The response warned it might take time to check as it was difficult for OPW staff to visit their ‘quite small and cramped’ stores area.
In the Taoiseach’s Department, the art choices were more straightforward, with a portrait of Eamon de Valera and a smaller drawing of Countess Markievicz requested.
Micheál Martin was also provided with an iPad Pro 11, which cost €1,443.
At the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, some new items were bought for incoming ministers. Minister Catherine Martin received a Samsung Galaxy phone costing €115 with a monthly tariff of €43 while €270 was spent on a wireless headset. A sum of €88.53 was paid for a door plate for Junior Minister Jack Chambers.
The Department of Business said the ‘ICT needs’ of Tánaiste Leo Varadkar were being dealt with by the
‘Holes in the carpet due to wear and tear’
‘I just don’t want blank walls!’
Taoiseach’s department but that they had paid out €440 for an iPhone XR for Minister Damien English.
The Department of Agriculture said it had spent just over €4,200 on new equipment for new ministers. This included an €897 Samsung S20+ phone, which was listed as ‘returned’, €1,452 for a Surface Pro, and just over €1,100 for a new iPad and iPhone.
In the Department of Housing, they said electronic equipment had been provided to four different ministers but did not specify a cost. Minister Darragh O’Brien and his colleague Malcolm Noonan each received a laptop and phone.
According to records from the Department of Finance, Minister Paschal Donohoe looked for a €149 charging case for his iPhone, but the purchase was not straightforward. The Office of Government Procurement was asked to buy it but said they couldn’t, and the department credit card had to be used instead.