Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Practices existed in the past on how those issues were handled. The question arises about their appropriateness at any time, but they are not part of the arrangements, given the current circumstances. It is not the case that Ministers make those arrangements for themselves. The arrangements are made, the Ministers go about their business and do their job. The important thing is that it is done in a way that is cost-effective and correct.

I note the record of the incumbent in that Department, and any of her predecessors, in terms of her mindfulness of the need to spend taxpayers' money carefully in those areas. The record will show that she was mindful of that. I said previously that other arrangements are no longer relevant or necessary and are not appropriate. Those changes have been made in the revised travel arrangements that are now in place.

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