Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 1: To ask the Taoiseach 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. [14158/09]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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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. It is understood that implementing the scheme in the Civil Service has given rise to a number of issues, particularly in relation to procurement, warranty and insurance. The Department of Finance has, it is understood, 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. This scheme can provide a framework for a similar scheme in the wider Public Service.

My Department and the agencies under it will address the implementation of the scheme when the relevant circular has issued.