Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

123. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department is taking steps to roll-out workplace travel plan initiatives for all schools and her Department campuses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22909/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has a number of initiatives in place to encourage and facilitate employees and teachers to use active travel to commute to work. Such initiatives include:

Cycle to Work scheme:

The Cycle to Work scheme is a tax incentive scheme to encourage staff to cycle to work and is in operation in my Department since 2009.

Travel pass scheme:

The travel pass scheme for public transport is also available to Department staff. It allows staff to purchase an annual travel pass for bus, Dart, train or Luas by tax free salary deductions.

Business travel policy:

My Department's policy in relation to the claiming of travel and subsistence expenses specifies that all travel should be by the shortest practicable routes and by the cheapest practicable mode of transport. Officers are encouraged to use public transport whenever practicable, with private transport to be used only in limited circumstances.

Health and Wellbeing

The Human Resources (HR) Unit of my Department circulates information on events/webinars/initiatives that encourage all types of physical activity, including walking where possible. Bicycle racks, lockers and shower facilities are available for staff who walk, cycle or jog to commute to work.

In addition, my Department promotes the annual European Mobility week which takes place in September each year and focuses on a particular topic related to sustainable mobility. The Department also supports the car-free day, as part of that week, by encouraging staff who regularly drive to work to leave their cars at home.