asked the Minister for Finance if at any time delegates to the Council of Europe at Strasbourg brought cars with them; and, if so, if he will state how many delegates took State cars, if drivers went with them, how long they were there, the cost of the transport of the cars from this country and the total cost to public funds under all the heads mentioned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Council of Europe Delegates.
Three State cars were sent to Strasbourg for the use of members of the Irish delegation and secretariat to the assembly and to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for the 1949 session and again for the first session in 1950.
The cars in question were Garda Síochána cars and Garda drivers went with them on each occasion. In 1949 they were absent from Ireland from the 4th August to the 13th September. In 1950 the cars left Ireland on the 29th July. One returned on the 19th August, another on the 26th August and the third on the 29th August. The different dates of return are due to the fact that not all the assembly's activities concluded on the one date.
The cost of the transport of cars from Ireland to Strasbourg and back amounted to £328 for the two years and the total cost to public funds of transport, insurance, drivers' expenses, etc. amounted to £1,149. Four members of the Irish delegation are entitled to the use of cars at public expense so that it should not be assumed that the sum mentioned represents additional expenditure.
I should add that the arrangement to send State cars was more economical (and more convenient) than to hire cars in Strasbourg.