Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the total amount spent on taxis by his Department since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37323/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The following is the information regarding taxi expenditure in my Department since February 2011:

Taxis used by my Department's officials are for business purposes and officials are required to ensure that every effort is made to minimise the use of taxis. These costs were incurred by officials who required taxi transportation in the course of travelling to or from official business engagements both in Ireland and abroad. Taxi hire for official travel is only permitted where the number of officers travelling result in taxi hire being cheaper than other forms of public transport, no suitable public transport alternative is available or using other forms of public transport is not possible/practical.