Vol. 466 No. 2
49 Mr. Callely asked the Taoiseach the total cost of business class travel incurred by civil servants in his Department in 1995; the destinations to which officials travelled; and his policy on the use of business class travel. [11127/96]
50 Mr. Callely asked the Taoiseach the total cost of all travel undertaken by civil servants in his Department in 1995; his policy in relation to such travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11143/96]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 49 and 50 together. The total cost of all travel undertaken by civil servants in my Department in 1995 amounted to £95,454. The cost of business class air travel in 1995 amounted to £13,191. The main destinations to which officials travelled by air were London and Brussels. Travel is undertaken where necessary by the most appropriate and most cost effective means, including in particular the importance of flexibility in relation to business travel.
51 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total cost of business class travel incurred by civil servants in his Department in 1995; the destinations to which officials travelled; and his policy on the use of business class travel. [11128/96]
52 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total cost of all travel undertaken by civil servants in his Department in 1995; his policy in relation to such travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11144/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together. The Department of Foreign Affairs consists of a headquarters in Dublin and 49 Missions located throughout the world. In fulfilment of Ireland's international obligations, headquarters staff regularly travel to meetings and conferences abroad, particularly in the context of our membership of the European Union and the United Nations. Diplomats posted abroad are required to travel regularly within and between the countries to which they are accredited. My Department also incurs costs which arise from Presidential and official visits and from the transfer of officers and their families between posts.
My Department's provision for all travel and subsistence costs in 1995 under the Foreign Affairs Vote was £3.863 million. The 1995 outturn showed expenditure of £3.247 million for travel costs in total. Not all travel costs arising in a particular year can be brought to account within the same year. Of the travel costs charged in 1995, some will fall to 1994 and equally some 1995 costs can only be charged in 1996.
