Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 404: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the arrangements that apply in respect of agencies associated with her Department in regard to booking accommodation, travel arrangements, entertainment allowances for meals and so on for officials, board members or directors; if these arrangements apply when the agency involved may host a Minister or Minister of State for functions or occasions at home or abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37206/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that each of the agencies that come within the ambit of my Department is required to operate and comply in all aspects with the circulars issued from time to time by the Department of Finance regarding travel and subsistence. Each agency has been provided with these circulars and has confirmed in writing to my Department that they are in compliance with the requirements arising.

I wish also to advise the Deputy that, in line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the Chairpersons of relevant State bodies within the ambit of my Department furnish me with annual reports and accounts for the bodies, including a comprehensive report covering a wide range of financial and governance issues. Such reports include confirmation that all appropriate procedures for travel are being implemented.

In relation to Deputy's query regarding the hosting of functions or occasions at home or abroad for a Minister or Minister of State, the arrangements as set out in the Department of Finance circulars on travel and subsistence also apply in that regard.