asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the names, addresses and qualifications of drivers employed by his Minister of State; the allowances and other expenses paid; and the estimated cost of travel in 1983 under the new arrangements in comparison with the cost of the provision of State cars in 1983.
Written Answers. - Minister of State's Drivers.
352.
The particulars requested are as follows: Mr. Patrick Whelan, Ramsfort Park, Gorey, County Wexford; and Mr. Laurence O'Donohue, Annagh, Gorey, County Wexford.
Qualifications of Drivers — The National Manpower Service provided a list of suitable candidates for the posts of civilian driver to the Minister of State for Fisheries and Forestry. Messrs. Whelan and O'Donohue were included in the list and, following interview, were deemed the most suitable candidates.
Allowances and other expenses paid — weekly wage of £172.50 plus Civil Service Class C rates of subsistence.
I understand that the cost of providing official transport for Ministers is not kept in Garda records in such a way as to enable the comparative costs sought to be given.