Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [15188/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Given its geographically dispersed nature, my Department has no specific policy on the use of public transport by staff travelling to and from work. Nevertheless, my Department will continue to facilitate the uptake of wider initiatives, such as the travel pass scheme or the cycle to work scheme, to encourage staff, where this is possible, not to use private transport to travel to and from their place of work.

With regard to the Deputy's query on using public transport when travelling on official business, my Department has very substantially reduced the cost of travel for official purposes despite the fact that due to the nature and geographical spread of the work of the Department travel is a necessary element in the performance of duties. Guidelines on Travel and Subsistence have been once again reviewed and staff are being reminded that all official travel should be by the shortest practicable route and by the cheapest practicable mode of conveyance, i.e. public transport; that return tickets, contract, season or other cheap tickets should be used; and, that private cars should only be used where no suitable public transport is available. Where this is not possible an explanation must be provided and where it is clear that public transport could have been used, the amount to be allowed for private vehicle use must not exceed the cost of public transport.