Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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In response to the Deputy's question, the total annual cost of travel and expenses incurred by my Department in 2015 amounted to €556,000. A 10 per cent reduction in spending on travel would give rise to an annual saving of €56,000.

It is worth noting that travel and subsistence costs are calculated on pre-set subsistence rates or on the actual costs incurred by the claimant or a combination of the two where appropriate. As such, any savings could only be achieved if a cross-Departmental reduction in subsistence rates was agreed or if the travel was not essential to the delivery of the strategic goals of the Department.