Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

249. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will review the recommendations contained within Circular 05/2015 regarding the day subsistence allowance, and, in light of the nature of the work involved, consider exempting emergency personnel of the National Ambulance Service from the requirement to be further than eight km away from their base over the course of their work to avail of the ten-hour rate of subsistence.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10298/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The rules governing travel and subsistence in the civil and public service are set out in Circulars which are issued, from time to time, to Departments and Offices and to agencies under the aegis of each Department. The most current travel and subsistence circular is 04/2025, with an effective date 29 January 2025.

Travel and subsistence arrangements were reviewed in 2015, as provided for in the Haddington Road Agreement. When the present arrangements were put in place, reforms were agreed as part of the review, which are set out in Circular 05/2015. At that time the distance requirement for claiming overnight subsistence was amended to 100 km from home or headquarters and day rates (five and ten hour rates) amended to 8 km from home or headquarters. These changes were made in agreement with staff representative associations. As part of the reforms, it was agreed that the rates would be reviewed in line with changes to the Consumer Price Index.

It is important to note that there are no exemptions made for a particular class of worker in respect of the rates and distances under this arrangement. It should also be noted that the Revenue Commissioners require a distance of 8 km when claiming a day subsistence rate generally.