State Agencies.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2009

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Questions (366)

Enda Kenny

Question:

453 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the arrangements that apply in respect of agencies associated with her Department in regard to booking accommodation, travel arrangements, entertainment allowances for meals and so on for officials, board members or directors; if these arrangements apply when the agency involved may host a Minister or Minister of State for functions or occasions at home or abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37215/09]

Written answers

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

The four statutory agencies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department. All of the above Agencies are obliged to adhere to the Department of Finance guidelines in relation to the booking of accommodation, travel arrangements, entertainment allowances for meals and so on for officials, board members or directors. The Department of Finance guidelines also apply where the Agency/Board may host a Minister or Minister of State function.