Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 638: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount his Department paid in 2004 for car mileage expenses; the amount paid to cover rail and bus ticket expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8599/05]

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 677: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount paid out and the total mileage registered in mileage allowances claimed by employees of his Department in the last period for which figures are available. [9369/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 638 and 677 together.

My Department paid €1,391,872 in mileage expenses in 2004 in respect of 1,679,144 miles. A further amount of €66,352 was expended on bus and rail expenses.

My Department also operates a travel pass scheme for staff under which they purchase an annual bus or rail pass in a tax efficient manner approved by the Revenue Commissioners; some 241 staff are currently availing of this scheme.