Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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87. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the way her departmental contracts for taxi companies for the purposes of taxis for the use of departmental staff are decided and allocated; if there is a public tender process for taxi companies wishing to apply for these contracts; the process for allocating the contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4650/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department of Social Protection does not have a contract with any taxi company nor does it engage in a public tender process for taxi services. Staff requiring taxi services can engage with a company of their choice and can subsequently claim from their travel and subsistence cost centre using vouched receipts where a taxi is used for work purposes.

The Department of Social Protection does hold an account with Dublin Radio Cabs plc. for taxi services in the Dublin area. Staff availing of such taxis services can do so where the taxi service is required for work purposes. Fares for taxi services are regulated and in line with the National Maximum Taxi Fare.