The specific payment details requested by the Deputy are not readily available in my Department. This is because payments for flights are not only made to airlines directly but also to ticket agents or as staff reimbursements. Payments to one airline frequently include amounts covering connecting flights by another airline. To obtain this information would require a disproportionate amount of staff time.
The tender arrangements for air transport, travel agency, tour operator and tourist assistance services relates to official travel by Government Departments and offices. The five group tender boards, representing 28 Departments and offices engaged in the tender process, have made their selection and the various tenderers have been informed of the selection.
I am aware of a claim by one airline that the Government can save up to £2 million per annum on one route within Europe. In relation to air travel generally, the Department of Finance, in a recently issued travel policy statement, directed that all Departments/offices must ensure, that consistent with the requirements of Departments/offices, the best value for money is obtained and that they must be prepared to use the services of all airlines operating out of Ireland.
