Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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Question 85: To ask the Taoiseach 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. [22731/11]

Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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Question 98: To ask the Taoiseach the amount his Department has spent on taxis for staff and for others in each of the past four years. [23304/11]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 98 together.

The table below details expenditure by my Department on taxis in the past four years:

Staff members are permitted to use taxis for official purposes where there are no other practical or suitable alternative modes of transport available. As regards travel between home and work, taxis are permitted where an officer is required to be at work before 7.30 am or is departing from work for home after 9.00pm in the winter (1st October - 31st March) and 10.00pm in the summer (1st April - 30th September). When using taxis, staff normally use one of the taxi companies with which my Department has an account. The budget allocation for 2012 in respect of taxis will be in the region of €40,000,

Taxis are allowed in rare and exceptional cases for non-staff members for example, as a courtesy to visitors on official business in the Department.