Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 470: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality 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. [15198/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department and agencies staffed by it, administer a number of schemes which promote the use of sustainable transport to and from the workplace. For example there are currently 286 people participating in the Travel Pass Scheme. This scheme was introduced as part of Government policy to encourage greater use of public transport. Under arrangements agreed with the Revenue Commissioners, it allows staff to forego salary to the value of the travel pass, thus reducing individual liability for income tax and PRSI. The recently introduced 'Cycle to Work' Scheme has also proven very popular, with 241 people already participating.

In relation to official travel, my Department acts in accordance with the instructions governing the payment of travelling and subsistence allowances in the civil service as a whole. In so doing officials in my Department are encouraged to use public transport when travelling on Departmental business. For example, in the case of an officer who uses his own car where public transport could have been used, without detriment to the public interest, the amount allowed for the officer's own car in respect of mileage allowance must not exceed the cost of public transport (including that of passengers whose travelling expenses would be payable from public funds).