The travel pass scheme was introduced in 2002 under terms and conditions set out in Department of Finance circular 50/2001 — travel pass scheme for the Civil Service, and has been made available to the staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs since then. The scheme was introduced as part of the Government's policy to encourage greater use of public transport. Under arrangements agreed with the Revenue Commissioners, it allows civil servants to forego salary to the value of the travel pass, thus reducing individual liability for income tax and PRSI.
It is a condition of the Revenue Commissioners that the travel pass scheme operate on the basis of an annual option. The pro rata salary sacrifice is reflected in the officer’s weekly or fortnightly salary over that period. Due to this 12 month commitment, temporary, seasonal and other non-routine workers have not, so far, been accommodated in the scheme. The closing date for applications for 2006 travel passes under the scheme was 11 November 2005. A total of 157 applications were received.