In 2009, six BlackBerrys were provided to Ministers, and five BlackBerrys were provided to special advisers. One mobile telephone is in use by a Minister. This covers the current ministerial team and special advisers and the ministerial team and special advisers prior to the reshuffle in June 2009.
The cost of these handsets cannot be provided as figures for the 2009-10 financial year will be available only when the Department’s resource accounts have been fully audited and laid before Parliament.