Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 5

Written Answers. - Ministerial Travel.

Michael Woods

Question:

271 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Social Welfare since assuming office in December 1994, the total cost of all travel and subsistence at home, including the cost of providing ministerial transport; the total cost of all travel and subsistence abroad, including travel recouped from the EU; the cost for the same period of entertainment, receptions and general hospitality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9911/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

I take it that the Deputy's question refers to the total cost of travel and subsistence and official entertainment incurred by me personally since assuming office in December 1994.

The total costs of travel and subsistence, including travel recouped from the EU, and entertainment are set out in the table below. All expenses incurred by me were as a result of the discharge of my official duties as Minister for Social Welfare. I do not have the cost of providing ministerial transport as the expenses arising from the use of my official car are borne by the Department of Justice. The following figures include some costs arising from EU Presidency obligations.

	Travel and Subsistence	Other Expenses
	£	£
Home	1,507	24,971*
Abroad	18,433

(Recoupment from the EU amounted to £2,621) * This amount includes a sum of £13,049 in respect of an unvouched expense allowance payable monthly under the provisions of Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) and Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices (Amendment) Act, 1992 (Allowances) (No. 2) Regulations, 1992 (S.I. No. 397 of 1992) to cover expenses incurred both as a Member of the Oireachtas and as a Minister.