100,000 euro spent on Raphoe rates and rent

The government agency has spent 106,692 on rent and rates for the County Donegal office since 2002.

The office in Raphoe has been leased since April 1, 2002.

Culture Minister Nelson McCausland outlined the detail in response to an Assembly Question.

He also revealed that almost 150,000 was spent on rent and rates for the agency's Belfast office over the past two years - 50,782 in 2008 and 99,740.29 in 2009.

The Minister stated: "The Agency also spent 45,573 and 12,748 in 2008 and 2009 respectively fitting out the visitors centre located on the ground floor of the premises at Great Victoria Street Belfast.

"The Ulster-Scots Language Society and The Ulster-Scots Community Network are also based in the Great Victoria Street premises on the second floor. The cost of their office accommodation equates to 25,850 per annum."

He added: "The Ulster-Scots Agency is at present staffed to its agreed complement. The Agency's offices in Belfast and Donegal are fully staffed, functional and operational. Both offices are opened to the general public during normal working hours 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday – Friday.

"The Agency has a dedicated visitors centre based on the ground floor of the Great Victoria Street premises but due to staffing constraints the centre is not continually open. The Agency has used the space for several events, such as the "Burns Week" celebrations held in January this year."

The Minister also revealed that 30,637.50 was spent producing and distributing two issues of the Ulster Scots magazine "Oot and Aboot."

"Two issues of the Ulster-Scots magazine 'Oot and Aboot' have been published to date. The dates of publication were December 2008 and December 2009.

"In 2008 the production costs were 13,755 and distribution costs were 1,989. In 2009 the production costs were 12,490 and distribution costs were 2,403.50."