In an effort to save costs, my Department introduced, in 2009, a policy whereby Staff requiring to use taxis are required pay for the taxi themselves and recoup the costs from the Department following presentation and approval of the receipt for the official trip undertaken. In addition staff were also requested to use public forms of transport including the air coach service where this is practical. This policy in respect of taxi usage has also been adopted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
In addition my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform maintains a long standing account with National Radio Cabs to provide certain services such as delivery of parcels and urgent mail across the city and in the case of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, transportation of test material to and from the CMO's Office. The Cost for this service in respect of both Departments in 2001 was €22k.
Should the Department seek to tender for Taxi Services in the future it will undertake the process in compliance with the procurement procedures.