Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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276. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Circular 05/2017 on motor travel rate will be amended to include cycling as a commutable expense and encourage alternative sustainable travel. [18408/20]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Circular 05/2017 sets out the recoupment rates applying where a civil or public servant is required to use their own car while on official duty.

Officers may not claim mileage or other transport costs for travel to and from work as recoupment does not apply to home to work travel.  This applies equally to both motor and bicycle rates.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Revenue Commissioners administer a tax relief scheme for employers to provide a bicycle to employees where the employee does not incur a tax cost for benefit in kind. The Cycle to Work Scheme operates by way of a salary sacrifice and may also be used towards the cost of an electric bike.

Where an officer uses their own bicycle for official travel, they may claim mileage at a rate of 8 cent per kilometre. I am aware that this rate has been in place since 2007 and was determined by reference to annual wear and tear, the average cost of a bicycle, depreciation, maintenance, cleaning and repairs, and protective clothing applying at that stage. My officials are currently reviewing the mileage arrangements and the bicycle rate will be addressed as part of that review.