ARAS AN UACHTARAIN: The President, Mrs McAleese, has had her travel and subsistence budget cut by 8 per cent as part of the clawback on public spending.
The total Áras an Uachtaráin budget will drop 2 per cent next year, from €1,985,000 to €1,955,000.
This year the President's travel and subsistence budget was €180,000, compared to €165,000 earmarked for 2003. The office machinery and supplies budget has been cut 11 per cent, from €140,000 this year to €125,000 next year.
A spokeswoman for the President said last night the cuts were part of the general tightening of the public finances.
However, she said the reduction would not result in the President, Mrs McAleese, having to cancel any foreign trips planned for 2003.
The majority of Government departments have taken a cut in travel and subsistence allowances in the Estimates. The Department of Justice has seen its travel budget drop 9 per cent, from €1,259,000 million to €1,149,000 million. The Chief State Solicitor's office has taken the biggest hit, with its travel budget dropping 24 per cent, from €207,000 this year to €157,000 next year.