Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016
284. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Finance to set out the estimated full-year saving for 2017 by reducing spending on travel by 10% in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14127/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question, the total annual cost of travel and expenses incurred by my Department in 2015 amounted to €556,000. A 10 per cent reduction in spending on travel would give rise to an annual saving of €56,000.
It is worth noting that travel and subsistence costs are calculated on pre-set subsistence rates or on the actual costs incurred by the claimant or a combination of the two where appropriate. As such, any savings could only be achieved if a cross-Departmental reduction in subsistence rates was agreed or if the travel was not essential to the delivery of the strategic goals of the Department.
