Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2004
127 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the subsistence allowance payable to civil servants relocated from their place of employment such as in the case of the recent closures of three prisons; if there is a standard payment of subsistence in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18073/04]
View answerRegulations governing the conditions under which travel and subsistence allowances may be payable to officers on official business away from their headquarters, including staff who are temporarily relocated, are set out in a 1982 circular. The question of whether payments arise in a given situation under the provisions of the circular is a matter for local management. In the case of the Prison Service, it would primarily be a matter for the Prison Service, in consultation with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In the main, there are two types of subsistence allowance. The overnight rate, which is a maximum of €133.72, is available to officers who are absent at least 15 miles from their headquarters and must spend the night away. Overnight rates are designed to cover the cost of accommodation and three meals. Day subsistence rates are payable to civil servants who are at least five miles from their headquarters for at least five hours, at a maximum level of €15.45, or ten hours, at a maximum level of €37.90.
