Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 871: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances in any semi-State body reporting into his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11679/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Day to day operational matters, including details as to the payment of fixed car allowances to individuals within the agencies under the aegis of my Department, are a matter for the agency or body concerned and the Department does not routinely collect information in this regard. The agencies have been reminded of the ongoing requirement to adhere to Department of Finance guidelines concerning travel, subsistence and associated expenses. The recent Government decision to reduce travel and subsistence rates has been brought to the attention of the agencies concerned and they have been instructed to implement the reduced rates with effect from 5 March 2009.

The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, which my Department has sent to agencies under my aegis, provides that the responsibility for ensuring that management operates effective and efficient controls rests with the board of directors or a committee of similar status. The code requires each State body to produce as part of its annual reporting and accounts package a statement on the system of internal financial control which operates within the body. This statement is signed by the Chairperson and is subject to audit review.