Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 73: To ask the Taoiseach 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. [15201/11]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department has a travel policy which is based on the guidelines laid down by the Department of Finance. It is applicable to all staff in my Department. The aims of the travel policy are to minimise official travel costs and to achieve value for money for expenditure necessarily incurred, consistent with the effective discharge of official duties.

An officer is authorised to use his/her own car on official business only in the following circumstances: where no sitable public transport is available; where public transport is available only at equal or greater expense; and where the use of public transport would result in the loss of official time which it is necessary to avoid.

The Cycle to Work Scheme is promoted within my Department. The Travel Pass Scheme also operates within my Department. Staff are urged annually to participate in the Europe-wide car free day campaign.