Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the changes, if any, he plans to make to Government members' travel allowances and the accounting of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11218/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Since 1 May 2011 Cabinet Minister with the exception of Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Law Reform now use their own cars. All Ministers are now paid for official mileage up to 96,540 kilometres or 60,000 miles per annum. Ministers of State have used their own cars on official business since 1984.

The payment of the travel allowance to Ministers is certified by the Accounting Officer of the Minister's Department on the basis of statements provided by the Minister from time to time certifying the total distance travelled. Furthermore accountability in relation to such payments fall within the purview of local departmental Internal Audit Committees as well as the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.