Noel Grealish (Galway West, Progressive Democrats)
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Question 411: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a cut in allowances awarded to outdoor staff of Galway County Council and a cap on travel are in place due to the directive from his Department; if a directive was issued to Galway County Council regarding payments of allowances, which includes travel to its staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24873/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department directed all local authorities, in line with Government policy on reducing Public Sector pay costs, that travel and subsistence rates and all allowances based on travel and subsistence rates were being reduced by 25% with effect from 12 March 2009.

Local authorities were also reminded of their responsibilities to ensure that only essential travel is undertaken; that the number of employees travelling for official purposes is kept to a minimum and that expenditure on travel and subsistence should be critically appraised and monitored. My Department did not impose a cap on travel and subsistence.

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. Accordingly, arrangements regarding payment of allowances unrelated to travel and subsistence are a matter for each local authority.