John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 61: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his policy on the use of taxis by staff; if this policy is adhered to; if such a policy exists, if breaches are made; and if so, the actions that he has taken. [27246/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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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 sanctioned. 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.

The costs related to taxi use are monitored on a monthly basis with a view to identifying any use not in line with this policy. While no such inappropriate use has been identified in recent years, if it were to be, the official would be asked to clarify the situation, instructed to ensure future compliance with the policy and would be required to reimburse the official account where necessary.