Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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51. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Revenue Commissioners will be instructed to increase the standard mileage allowance for HSE staff to account for the rising price of petrol and diesel. [15243/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The mileage rates that apply in the recoupment of travel expenses across the civil and public service are a matter for my consideration in the first instance rather than for the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

It is established policy that travel for work in the civil and public service should, where possible, be by public transport. Where this is not possible, mileage payments may be made and mileage arrangements are designed to recoup travelling officers for expenses genuinely incurred in respect of work related travel and should not be viewed as a source of emolument or profit.

Motor travel rates were last reviewed in 2017 and the current rates are set out in Circular 05/2017: Motor Travel Rates. These rates are currently being reviewed by my officials and work is ongoing on devising new rates reflecting current input costs. Proposals for revised rates will be discussed, as per existing agreements, with staff representative associations.

It is anticipated that the review will be completed shortly with a view to seeking agreement with staff representative associations by the end of the second quarter of this year.