Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 262: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of money that was spent on taxis by his Department in the past year; the amount of money that has been provided for in the next year for taxi services for his Department; the times that taxis can be used by staff members; the terms under which staff members can use taxis; the amount that was used by staff members; the amount that was used by outsiders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22722/11]

Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 270: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount his Department has spent on taxis for staff and for others in each of the past four years. [23301/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 270 together.

My Department operates a taxi account through National Radio Cabs whereby staff use taxis on account as necessary for business purposes. The taxi costs for staff and for non-staff members for the past four years are set out in the following table.

The data in the table does not include expenditure where taxis other than National Radio Cabs are used by officials of the Department/Offices while on official business in Ireland or abroad. In these instances taxi costs are included with other forms of transport costs on my Department's financial management system and it is not feasible to identify such taxi costs separately.

My Department recognises that the use of public transport is normally the most economical means of transport available and should be availed of by staff wherever possible. As a general rule, the use of taxis – either in Ireland or abroad – should arise only where no suitable public transport is available, or where the use of public transport is not feasible.

The following is the instruction to staff concerning the use of taxis:-

Every effort should be made to minimise the use of taxis, whether on the Department's Corporate account, or through personal hire for which a refund is subsequently claimed. Staff are reminded that the bus service, which passes close to most of the Department's Dublin offices, should be used for journeys to and from the airport where possible. This service is frequent, reliable and considerably cheaper than taxis.

Whether a taxi is being charged to the account or being reimbursed on foot of a receipt, staff are regularly asked to explain the reason why a taxi was required or are asked for an explanation in regard to the cost. My Department is housed in six separate offices in Dublin city and taxis are used by staff to move IT equipment, lodge cash in the bank or to move boxes, crates and in some cases small items of furniture.

Staff may also use taxis where there is a perceived risk to personal safety (e.g. when arriving/departing at unsociable hours), or where there is a likelihood of missing a flight or where it is not practical to use public transport due, for example, to the location of the hotel or meeting room.

The Department's Administrative Budget, which will contain the provision for taxi services for 2012, will be announced on Budget Day.