Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004
258 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself with the fact that home carers get paid only 19 cent per mile travel allowance to cover car costs in 2004 including special insurance; if there are other groups on similar levels of allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23756/04]
View answerUnder the home helps agreement a banding system in the form of an annual allowance for travel expenses was introduced specifically for home helps with effect from 1 June, 2000 as follows:
|
Less than 500 miles per annum |
= £240 (€304.74) per annum |
|
500 — 1000 miles per annum |
= £480 (€609.47) per annum |
|
1001 — 1500 miles per annum |
= £720 (€914.21) per annum |
|
1501 — 2000 miles per annum |
= £960 (€1,218.95) per annum |
|
2001 — 2500 miles per annum |
= £1,200 (€1,523.69) per annum |
|
Greater than 2500 |
= Normal mileage rates apply |
The Deputy may wish to note that the minimum mileage rate payable is 61 cent per mile, other than in circumstances where standard mileage rates for health service staff apply. Where home helps were claiming travel expenses in line with normal practice, they retained this arrangement on a personal to holder basis. As the Deputy is aware mileage is not payable for travel to the first visit and from the last visit.
