Written answers

Thursday, 9 February 2006

Department of Foreign Affairs

Civil Service Travel Scheme

5:00 pm

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 119: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4924/06]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The travel pass scheme was introduced in 2002 under terms and conditions set out in Department of Finance circular 50/2001 — travel pass scheme for the Civil Service, and has been made available to the staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs since then. The scheme was introduced as part of the Government's policy to encourage greater use of public transport. Under arrangements agreed with the Revenue Commissioners, it allows civil servants to forego salary to the value of the travel pass, thus reducing individual liability for income tax and PRSI.

It is a condition of the Revenue Commissioners that the travel pass scheme operate on the basis of an annual option. The pro rata salary sacrifice is reflected in the officer's weekly or fortnightly salary over that period. Due to this 12 month commitment, temporary, seasonal and other non-routine workers have not, so far, been accommodated in the scheme. The closing date for applications for 2006 travel passes under the scheme was 11 November 2005. A total of 157 applications were received.

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 120: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a closing date or dates are operated by his Department in respect of the Civil Service travel pass scheme; if so, the dates in question; the way in which temporary, seasonal or other non-routine workers are accommodated in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4925/06]

Photo of John O'DonoghueJohn O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Civil Service travel pass scheme was introduced in my Department in 2002 and operates each year from 1 January to 31 December of the year in question. It is advertised in early November each year with a deadline in mid-November. Temporary or non-routine workers can be included in the scheme if they are in employment at the time the scheme is advertised and there is a reasonable expectation that they will continue their employment during the following year, for example, on a temporary contract. Where staff leave the Department during the operative period of the scheme they are responsible for covering the remainder of the cost of the ticket in its entirety.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.