Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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1154. To ask the Minister for Health if he is confident that all overseas travel undertaken by staff in State agencies is necessary; if the agencies ensure there is a robust business case submitted before travel is sanctioned; if the agency ensures the objective of the travel cannot be achieved through other means; if, upon their return, staff must submit a report on the work carried out while they were on agency business overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36047/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Operational responsibility for each agency lies with the respective CEO / Registrar. The CEOs and their management teams are acutely aware of the necessity to achieve maximum value for money in all areas of expenditure, including overseas travel. Appropriate reporting by officials following overseas travel would be part of the normal business processes. Officials from my Department liaise regularly with the agencies to ensure that the business objectives of the agencies are delivered within their respective budgets each year.