Smarter Travel Policy.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2009

Tuesday, 17 February 2009

Ceisteanna (331)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

365 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence his Department’s work place travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5847/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

As a measure to incentivise the use of public transport, the Travel Pass Scheme was introduced in the Civil Service on 1 January 2002. To date a number of civil servants in my Department have availed of this Scheme. It is the general policy in my Department that, when travelling on official duties, officials should, as far as possible, use public transport when available.

My Department supports the Government's Smarter Travel Policy, launched by the Minister for Transport on 5 February, which recognises the valuable role that workplace travel planning can play in making commuting travel patterns more sustainable.