Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 319: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department and all agencies under his remit are in compliance with the Department of Finance guidelines on foreign travel; and the mechanisms in place in each to ensure ongoing compliance with these guidelines. [44816/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in compliance with Department of Finance guidelines in relation to foreign travel. My Department has a written policy on official travel, which has been made available to all staff. An element of this policy is that all flights and foreign travel are approved in advance at a senior level. Furthermore, management and staff are reminded from time to time of the Department of Finance guidelines governing foreign travel. In addition, my Department's Internal Audit Unit has provided assurances that the procedures and processes in place in relation to official travel are being complied with.

With regard to bodies under the aegis of my Department, the Department of Finance guidelines in relation to foreign travel have been brought to the attention of the relevant agencies, which have provided written assurances to my Department that they are in compliance with the regulations. It is intended that further updates in this regard will continue to be sought from the agencies on a periodic basis.