Revealed: Shocking Weekly Expenditure on Photographers by Stormont Departments

Stormont Photography Expenditure

Stormont's departments have been revealed to spend an average of £1,166.83 per week on photographers. The total expenditure in the year since the restoration of the Executive in February 2024 amounted to at least £60,675.40. However, this figure does not include expenses from The Executive Office, as they did not respond to inquiries within the required timeframe.

Concerns Raised by Timothy Gaston

In response to the figures, TUV MLA Timothy Gaston expressed concerns over the spending, highlighting a lack of transparency and accountability. He brought attention to the failure of some departments to provide adequate explanations for their photography expenses, emphasizing the need for scrutiny and oversight.

Departmental Breakdown

- CAFRE, under the Department for the Economy, spent £5,211 primarily on essential publicity material for events and promotions.
- The Department for Communities allocated £16,478.40 for photography services between February 2024 and January 2025.
- The Department of Education's photography expenditure reached £7,663.00 during the same period, excluding VAT.
- Ministerial photography costs within various departments amounted to £2,155, serving recruitment campaigns and policy communication.
- The Department of Health spent £5,142 on photographers from February 2024 to February 2025, mainly for ministerial events and key activities.
- Notably, the Department led by Mrs. Long incurred £11,311 in photography expenses, raising eyebrows over the need for such high spending without detailed justifications.

Ongoing Scrutiny

The latest revelations have sparked ongoing scrutiny into government spending on photography. As questions arise regarding the necessity and accountability of these expenses, calls for greater transparency and justification continue to echo within Stormont and among the public.