Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I will not introduce a fatwa against civil servants, follow them around and insist that they travel in a certain way. We need practical application and to cop on. Mileage has been paid for some time and rates are negotiated by union representatives. One cannot unilaterally wade into this matter. In the case of labour inspectors and other civil servants travelling to particular locations, public transport services may not be amenable. The result may be far more inefficient, with more overnight stays, if one were to use another system. Using a taxi does not lead to a reduction in carbon emissions any more than using one's own car.

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