Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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Question 25: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent on taxis by his Department in the past year; the amount 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 number used by staff members; the number used by outsiders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22725/11]

Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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Question 31: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount his Department has spent on taxis for staff and for others in each of the past four years [23299/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 31 together. The amount expended by my Department on official taxi fares for Headquarters and Missions abroad from 1 January 2008 to date is outlined in the following table:

My Department's current taxi policy provides that taxis may be used for official business only in cases when public transport is not available or feasible or when officers are required, because of work or official travel commitments to travel early in the morning or late at night either to or from HQ or to airports or train stations. At other times, the use of taxis is not allowed. I believe that this provides a reasonable balance between requirements to safeguard the exchequer to the greatest extent possible and a recognition that there are situations where the use of taxis will be necessary.

In addition to the figure for taxi usage given above, HQ-based officers abroad travelling on official business may also find it necessary to use taxis and may be reimbursed for these costs. These costs are reimbursed with travelling expenses in the normal way.

The costs related to taxi use are monitored on a monthly basis and the taxi policy is kept under review. The cost of contract taxi services has declined each year since 2007.

The official taxi service is intended for staff of my Department only and is not made available to others.