Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the policies in place in his Department to encourage the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work; the policies in place to encourage staff to use public transport when travelling on departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15192/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department has a number of initiatives in place to encourage the use of public transport by staff. Such initiatives include: Cycle -to -work scheme:The Cycle -to -work scheme for staff is in operation in my Department since 2009. To date 164 staff members have availed of this scheme. Travel pass scheme:The travel pass scheme for public transport is also available to Department staff. The Scheme allows staff to purchase an annual travel pass for bus, DART, train or Luas by tax free salary deductions. Currently 106 staff avail of this scheme. Business travel policy:My Department's [policy in relation to the claiming of travel and subsistence expenses specify that all travel should be by the shortest practicable routes and by the cheapest practicable mode of transport. Officers are encouraged to use public transport whenever practicable, with private transport to be used only in limited circumstances, viz. (a). When there is no suitable public transport available;(b). Where public transport is available only at equal or greater expense;(c). Where the use of public transport would result in the loss of official time which it is necessary to avoid. In addition, my Department promotes the annual European Mobility week and supports the 'car free day' by encouraging staff who regularly drive to leave their cars at home.