Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 211: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the operation of the cycle to work scheme in his Department; if all agencies under the remit of his Department will be included in the scheme; if not, the reason for same; the State agencies under the remit of his Department currently offering this scheme to employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14148/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Tax relief was provided in the Finance (No 2) Act 2008 where an employer provides a bicycle for an employee. The implementation of the scheme for the Civil Service is being dealt with by the Department of Finance. I understand from the Department of Finance that implementation of the scheme in the Civil Service has given rise to a number of issues, particularly in relation to procurement, warranty and insurance. I have been informed that the Department of Finance has raised these issues with the State Claims Agency, Chief State Solicitors Office and the Office of the Attorney General.

Once these issues have been clarified, the Department of Finance will issue a circular providing for a scheme in the Civil Service and this scheme can provide a framework for a similar scheme in the wider Public Service. This scheme will be of huge benefit. I look forward to staff in the department and agencies under its remit being able to avail of it.