The Government has been criticised over a number of contracts put out to tender.
The tenders include grass cutting for the army, advice on a Dáil TV channel and a coastal helicopter survey of seals.
It was also revealed that the Taoiseach's Department spent €30,000 on photographs in ten months.
The Taoiseach has cited major State visits as part of the explanation for the costs incurred.
Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne has said that such expenditure should not be countenanced in the current climate.
