The government has spent over €250,000 on photography since coming to power three years ago.

Figures published by government departments show spending of over €276,000 on photo agencies for State events since March 2011.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has the highest spending - at almost €120,000 - thanks largely to the high-profile State visits from the likes of US President Barack Obama.

The Department of Public Expenditure is the lowest-spending department, paying out just over €1,000 since it was set up three years ago.