Department nearly halves costs of mobile phones

Major savings in the cost of mobile phone services have been achieved in the Department of Agriculture.

The bill exceeded €1m in 2008, but was nearly halved by 2011. The amounts paid were €1,008,088 in 2008, €701,994 in 2009, €603,594 in 2010, and down to €588,917 in 2010.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has told the Dáil that extensive use is made of mobile telephony and related technologies, for inspections and other out-of-office activities related to the delivery of services, and in supporting a more mobile and efficient workforce.