Ceist:
165 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the number of members of staff in his Department who have availed of the easi-travel plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29459/01]
Written Answers. - Travel Pass Scheme.
The Finance Act, 1999, introduced legislation, which allowed an employer to incur the expense of providing an employee with a monthly or annual bus or rail pass, without the employee being liable for benefit-in-kind taxation. This scheme is now being extended to civil servants with effect from January 2002.
To date, 19 members of staff in my Department have applied for this facility. As the cut-off date for applications is Friday, 23 November 2001, the exact number of staff who will avail of this scheme is not yet available.