Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 200: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the public transport services used by her since she came into office or since 2007 on official business; the destinations travelled to; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39793/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that the Deputy's question refers to bus and rail travel. I have not had an opportunity since assuming office in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to avail of public transport services on official business. I did have the opportunity to use the train for trips to the South and the South West in my capacity as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the public transport services used by her officials since 2007 on official business; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39821/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am interpreting the Deputy's question as relating to the use of bus and rail services by my officials.

All travel by staff of my Department on official business is governed by travel and subsistence regulations issued by the Department of Finance. The overriding principle in these regulations is that all official travel should be by the shortest practicable route and by the most economical means of transport available. In this context, bus and rail services are normally the most economical means of transport.

As a general rule, officers are only authorised to use their own transport on official business where suitable public transport is not available, where public transport is available only at equal or greater expense, or where the use of public transport would result in the unnecessary loss of official time.

While public transport is used by my officials wherever possible, it is not always feasible for staff to use bus or rail services. For example, Labour Inspectors may be required to carry out site visits at locations or at times which make the use of public transport impractical. In such instances, the use of an officer's private car is authorised.

In general, all travel costs — whether in respect of public transport or mileage allowances paid to an officer using his/her private car — are aggregated on my Department's accounts system. It is not feasible, therefore, to identify separately the cost of public transport used by my officials since 2007, as this exercise would require every expenses claim processed by my Department since January 2007 to be reviewed. My Department processes several thousand expenses claims each year.