Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
The total cost of all travel, including subsistence, undertaken by officials in my Department during 1995 amounted to £419,157.72.
The total cost of foreign travel, including subsistence, undertaken by officials in my Department during 1995 amounted to £245,640.68. Based on the results of a special exercise undertaken in 1995 on an analysis of travel costs generally about 80 per cent of air travel is undertaken in business class. However, it should be noted that the attributed costs would include an element of hotel costs, which are frequently part of a package arrangement.
The reply to the question put down on 21 May 1996 on the total cost of ministerial travel in 1995 includes the cost of officials accompanying both myself and my colleagues, the Ministers of State, Deputies O'Shea and Currie.
Details of the destinations to which officials travelled, including accompanying ministerial missions, follow.
The policy in relation to travel by officials in my Department is that such travel is only undertaken where necessary and in particular to fulfil Ireland's commitments within the EU and the WHO and, where considered appropriate, to contribute to and be apprised of the health service initiatives and developments in other countries. The cost of such travel is strictly in line with the various rates as set out in Department of Finance circulars which issue from time to time. Particular attention is given to the procurement of the appropriate travel and hotel arrangements on the most economical basis.