Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has a contract with a taxi firm; if so, the amount of money spend by officials in 2007 and 2008; the changes he will bring about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4033/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Following a competitive tender process, the Department currently has contracts with two Dublin taxi firms. Both companies fully comply with the Taxi Regulator guidelines. The amounts expended by this Department on official taxi fares for the period 2007 and 2008 are outlined in tabular form.

Officers in my Department use taxis only where it is absolutely necessary and for the conduct of official business, often outside of regular office hours. The costs related to taxi use are monitored on a monthly basis.

As can be seen from the table above my Department achieved significant savings in 2008 over 2007 through ongoing monitoring and regulation of this expenditure. This strict supervision will be maintained in 2009.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Following a competitive tender process, the Department currently has contracts with two Dublin taxi firms. Both companies fully comply with the Taxi Regulator guidelines.

The amounts expended by this Department on official taxi fares with these firms for the years 2007 and 2008 are outlined below in tabular form.

Officers in my Department use taxis only where it is absolutely necessary and for the conduct of official business, often outside of regular office hours. The costs related to taxi use are monitored on a monthly basis.

In addition to the figures for taxi usage given above, officers travelling on official business may also use taxis, for example, when travelling outside Ireland, and may be reimbursed for these costs. These costs would be reimbursed with their travelling expenses in the normal way.

I have initiated a review of taxi expenditure by my Department, to ensure that best value for money is being achieved and that there is full accountability in respect of this expenditure.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if external storage is utilised by his Department; if so, if he will state what is being stored; the length of time it has it been stored; the cost of such storage; the details of the contract; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4047/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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External storage is utilized by the Department of Foreign Affairs as required for business purposes. The stored materials comprise stockpiles of passport application forms and personal effects and property of officers serving at diplomatic missions abroad. In exceptional circumstances, such as renovation of premises, storage will also be used temporarily to keep items that may hinder or delay ongoing construction work.

The total storage costs incurred in 2008 were of the order of €380,000. Various contracts exist to cover the storage required, and the matter is kept under review to ensure value for money is achieved.