Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 March 2014
125. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the protocol in relation to assistant principals and principal officers using their private cars and claiming unvouched expenses when official cars are available in his Department; if he has received any complaints regarding same; and the oversight that is in place to deal with same. [14839/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficial vehicles are not available in my Department except in the case of the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI). The work of the GSI, which is part of my Department, necessarily involves extensive field work, over all terrains and throughout the country and the GSI operates a fleet of 16 vehicles which includes a specialised drilling rig, trucks, pickups and 4 wheel drive vehicles. Only one of the vehicles is a car. There are written protocols in place for official use of the vehicles. The use of private cars for official business by staff in my Department and payments in respect of travel and subsistence are governed by Civil Service travel and subsistence regulations and guidelines. I have not received any complaints on this matter.
