Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 5

Written Answers. - Official Travel.

Ivan Yates

Question:

138 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the total expenditure by his Department on the three major airlines in 1997; when decisions will be taken in relation to the tendering arrangements for air travel services for civil servants and employees of public State enterprises; if his attention has been drawn to a claim by one airline that the Government can save up to £2 million per annum on one route within Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20664/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The specific details requested are not readily available in my Department. Payments for flights are made not only directly to airlines but also to travel agents. Furthermore, payments to one airline may include amounts covering connecting flights by other airlines. To desegregate data relating to particular airlines would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.

I understand the Department of Finance has notified tenderers of the outcome of the recent tender competition for the supply of travel services to Government Departments and offices.