Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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216. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has plans to review and increase mileage rates for public servants using an electric vehicle, in light of the costs introduced for public charging facilities and given that this would act to support the wider adoption of EVs across public-service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19941/23]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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218. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the analysis that has been carried out of the potential to incentivise a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by adjusting the mileage rates for public servants using cars and bicycles of various categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19943/23]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 218 together.

Whilst travel for official duties is an integral part of the functions carried out by many civil and public servants, opportunities for online meetings should always be considered prior to any travel being undertaken. If travel is essential, public servants should always strive to use public transport in the first instance.

The motor travel rates are designed to compensate an officer for the costs incurred in using their own car on official business. The rates are set based on a methodology agreed with the Staff Associations. The methodology takes account of both overhead costs (such as car cost, depreciation and insurance) and also running costs including fuel and maintenance. The rates are intended to reimburse an officer for the costs incurred and are not considered a source of emolument or profit.

The Deputy may wish to note that the formula underpinning the motor travel rates was reviewed in 2022 with a view to reflecting increased efficiencies and improvements in motor technology. The rates are laid out in three categories, up to 1200 CC, 1201 to 1500 CC and 1501 CC and over. In recognition of Government commitments under CAP 21 in relation electric vehicles (EVs), it was decided to recoup EVs at the same rate as that applying to internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles with engine capacities of 1201 cc to 1500 cc. Moving from the 1200 cc category at 2017 rates to 1201 cc to 1500 cc category at 2022 rates represents an increase of approximately 15%.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the formula underpinning the motor travel rates is next due for review in 2025.

Circular 16/2022, which sets out the revised motor travel rates effective 01 September 2022, is attached for your information.

data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2023-04-27_pq216-218-27-04-23_en.pdf Circular16-2022

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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217. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has plans to review and increase mileage rates for public servants using an electric bicycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19942/23]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Whilst travel for official duties is an integral part of the functions carried out by many civil and public servants, opportunities for online meetings should always be considered prior to any travel being undertaken. If travel is essential, public servants should always strive to use public transport in the first instance.

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. My officials plan to incorporate a review of the rates applying for electric bicycles as part of the next scheduled review of motor travel rates. This is due to take place in 2025.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Revenue Commissioners administer the Cycle to Work scheme which is available to civil and public servants. This scheme incentivises, by way of tax relief, travel by bicycle, to/from work and for official duties. This scheme operates by way of a salary sacrifice and may also be used towards the cost of an electric bike.