The majority of foreign travel undertaken by officials from my Department involves attending European Union related meetings, usually in Brussels. Other foreign travel is undertaken as necessary to attend meetings on matters that are under the remit of my Department. The cost of many of these flights is recouped from the EU and at all times my Department seeks to minimise the costs of such travel. All flights were by commercial airline.
The following table shows the number of flight taken by officials from my Department in the years 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. It also contains details of the total costs of these flights, accommodation costs and ground transportation costs. Officials rarely incur entertainment expenses while travelling abroad on official business.
The detailed information sought by the Deputy relating to each trip undertaken by officials is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work. If the Deputy requires details in relation to a specific foreign trip undertaken by officials from my Department I will endeavour to make that information available to her.
Figures for ground transportation and accommodation for the latter part of 2010 and for 2011 are on the basis of expenses claims paid to date.
|
Year
|
Number of Flights
|
Net Flight Costs (as charged to the Department)
|
Ground Transportation (includes travel to and from airports at home and abroad)
|
Accommodation Costs
|
|
|
€
|
€
|
€
|
|
2009
|
730
|
108,703
|
45,235
|
157,000
|
|
2010
|
681
|
118,000
|
41,257
|
155,000
|
|
2011 (to 14th Jan)
|
14
|
1,017
|
622
|
209
|
