Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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35. To ask the Minister for Finance the way his 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [4644/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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In an effort to save costs,  my Department introduced in 2009 a policy where by Staff requiring to usetaxis are required pay for the taxi themselves and recoup the costs from the Department following presentation and approval of the receipt for the official trip undertaken. In addition staff were also requested to use public forms of transport including the air coach service where this is practical. This policy in respect of taxis usage has also been adopted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

In addition my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform maintains a long standing account with  National Radio Cabs to provide certain services such as delivery of parcels and urgent mail across the city and in the case of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, transportation  of test material to and from the CMO s Office. The Cost   for this service in respect of both Departments in 2001 was €22k.

Should the Department seek to tender for Taxi Services in the  future  it will undertake the process in compliance with the procurement procedures.