Since 1 January 2007, Departmental staff have used bus, rail and ferry services while on official business at a cost of €148,329. In line with Department of Finance guidelines relating to official travel, the Department's policy is that staff should use public transport, wherever possible, for business travel. Taxis or cars should be used only when no suitable public transport is available.
As part of the Department's participation in the One Small Step campaign, a Workplace Travel Plan, aimed at encouraging greater use of sustainable transport options in travelling to and from work, and in the conduct of official business, has recently been launched in my Department. Through implementation of the Plan, a range of initiatives to encourage use of sustainable travel options amongst Departmental staff will continue to be put in place.