Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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354. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she is taking to encourage active travel modes to and from work in her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17381/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department and the agencies under its remit encourages and facilitates employees to use active travel to commute to work.

Employees are encouraged to avail of the Cycle to Work Scheme and in 2021, 94 Department staff members purchased bicycles under the scheme to support their commute to work. My Department provides secure bicycle parking facilities for members of staff.

As part of its Wellbeing programme, my Department encourages all staff to stay active for both their physical and mental wellbeing, which includes incorporating active travel into their journey to and from work.

Following the transition back to the workplace this year, the Department’s running club has reconvened and invites staff to engage in activity through regular running challenges, many of which have the added benefit of raising funds for charity.

In addition, my Department is planning to join the Smarter Travel Programme, an initiative by the National Transport Authority, to support public bodies in introducing workplace travel plans. The Department of Justice workplace travel plan will incorporate measures to encourage people to walk, cycle, carpool or use public transport.