Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Finance the guidelines set down in respect of facilities provided for Ministers while on official duties; the guidelines for accommodation being sourced and whether capping arrangements apply; the guidelines for taxi, limousine hire; entertainment arrangements in respect of meals and so on; if these guidelines are applicable to all Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37201/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to foreign travel by Ministers on official business.

My Department issued updated guidelines on foreign travel to all Government Departments on 1 July 2009. The guidelines are available on my Department's website at: http://www.finance.gov.ie.

The guidelines apply to staff of Departments and all bodies and agencies under the aegis of Departments. I have also advised my Ministerial colleagues that the same principles should be observed by Ministers and office-holders when travelling abroad on official business.

The guidelines include provisions on the class of flights and standard of hotels to be used. My Department's Circular 25 of 2000 on official entertainment sets out limits on expenditure on official entertainment and the numbers that can be accommodated at any particular event.

The provision of other facilities abroad is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs.