Changes to the public service travel and subsistence rates will take effect from July. The changes were introduced following a review established under the terms of the Haddington Road agreement. The review was conducted by the Civil Service Staff Panel and the sub-group of the General Council.

Subsistence rates have been increased though the distance required to travel, in order to qualify for the rate, has been reduced. Day rates for being away from the office, for 10 hours or more, remains at €33.61 while the rate for being away for between 5 and 10 hours will increase from €13.71 to €14.01. The distance required to travel to qualify for the increased overnight rate has been increased from 48km to 100km.

The changes to the scheme are as follows:

• The qualifying distance for an overnight claim will increase to 100km from 1st July 2015, except in circumstances where complex work patterns or health and safety issues warrant a lower qualifying radius.
• The overnight rate will increase from €108.99 to €125.00.
• The qualifying distance for the 5 hour rate will increase to 8km from 1st July 2015. The 5 hour rate will increase from €13.71 to €14.01.
• The 10 hour rate remains unchanged.
• The travel rate per kilometre travelled also remains unchanged.

The new rates will come into effect from July, 2015 and will be reviewed annually thereafter.