DPENDR still to review cycling rate for HSE staff

A planned review of cycling travel rates for HSE staff and other civil servants has not yet occured, this newspaper has been informed.

In November 2020, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) told the Medical Independent (MI) that it intended to review the cycling travel rates. The current rate of eight cent per kilometre in relation to bicycles was set in 2007.

When asked by MI for an update, a spokesperson said DPENDR officials “intend to review the methodology for determining whether any change is warranted for staff using
their own bicycles for official purposes”. However, this review “has yet to take place”.

In recent years, doctors promoting active travel have called for changes in the travel rate to encourage cycling among staff at the HSE and the Department of Health.

The HSE Climate Action Strategy 2023-2050 was recently launched with a central goal of achieving net-zero emissions for the Executive by 2050. Dr Philip Crowley, HSE National Director, Strategy and Research, told MI it is a “comprehensive plan”.

“We understand that the Irish health service, no more than any other health service across the world, is a significant contributor to climate change,” he stated.