John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 8 October 2009, when a reply will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37654/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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A reply on this matter has recently issued to the Deputy. The information which has issued is provided as follows in respect of ministerial expenses of the Minister and Minister of State at the Department of Finance, for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that information relating to the Minister of State in respect of the functions of that office will be forwarded directly to the Deputy.

My Department issued updated guidelines on foreign travel to all Government Departments on 1 July 2009. 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. As the Deputy will be aware, most Oireachtas expense allowances were reduced by 10% (25% in the case of mileage). Ministerial subsistence payable in Ireland was also reduced by 25%.

* Number travelling column refers to Minister and Department of Finance officials only.

** Costs relate to Ministerial expenses.

*** European Council meeting organised by the Department of the Taoiseach. These are costs met by

the Department of Finance. The costs of car hire for all Irish delegates was equally divided between the

Department of the Taoiseach, Department of Finance and Department of Foreign Affairs.

**** Costs for this trip have not yet been received in the Department.

Payments made by the Department of Finance in respect of costs incurred by the Minister of State on occasions when he deputised for the Minister of Finance. Details of travelling officials is not available at this time.