Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Finance the arrangements that apply in respect of agencies associated with his 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. [37211/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Government Offices under the aegis of my Department operate under the Department of Finance guidelines in relation to Travel and Official Entertainment. The bodies concerned are the Office of the Ombudsman, State Laboratory, Public Appointments Service, Valuation Office, Commission for Public Service Appointments, The Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Office of Public Works.

The situation in relation to other bodies that are funded by the Exchequer is outlined below.

The National Treasury Management Agency has in place a Staff Expenses Office Instruction which sets out the policies and the procedures that apply with regard to booking accommodation, travel arrangements, entertainment allowances for meals etc. The NTMA policy is consistent with the relevant Department of Finance Circulars and Foreign Travel Policy Guidelines. The NTMA has not incurred any such expenses on behalf of a Minister or Minister of State.

The Special EU Programmes Body adheres to guidance as set out in the Northern Ireland Civil Service Handbook and Department of Finance Circulars in respect of all accommodation, travel, entertainment and subsistence requirements. Internal policies exist to ensure adherence with the appropriate guidance. The Body does not provide accommodation or travel arrangements for Ministers or Ministers of State for functions at home or abroad. Any entertainment or subsistence provided to a Minister whilst attending a Special EU Programmes Body function would be the same as that received by all other participants.