Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
479. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all Ministers and Ministers of State are adhering to the guidelines for claiming travel and subsistence in addition to overnight accommodation expenses here; and if there has been any change in policy since the Government entered office. [9616/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra480. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any Ministers and or Ministers of State have claimed overnight accommodation expenses while staying in Dublin; and if there has been any change in policy in this area since the Government entered office. [9617/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 479 and 480 together.
A Minister or Minister of State cannot claim overnight accommodation expenses while staying in Dublin as all Ministers are headquartered in Dublin.
A Minister or Minister of State may claim the vouched cost of a hotel room and up to 15% service charge where they are required, while on official business within the State, to stay overnight more than 100 kms from their home or headquarters. They may also claim an overnight subsistence allowance equal to half of the civil service overnight rate of €125 increased by one-third.
Where Ministers travel abroad including Northern Ireland they may claim for the vouched cost of a hotel room including tax and up to 15% service charge plus the civil service conference rate for the location increased by one third with the exception of the USA and Canada, where it is increased by a half.
My Department does not maintain records of the travel costs incurred by each Minister and Minister of State.
There have been no changes in policy in this area under the current Government.
