Vol. 353 No. 1
asked the Minister for Justice the date on which the new scheme for the provision of transport for Ministers of State came into operation; the total cost to the State of such transport since then to the latest available date; and the total cost to the State arising from the employment of a civilian driver for each Minister of State.
575.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the new scheme for the provision of transport for Ministers of State.
Limerick East): The revised arrangements in relation to official transport for Ministers of State, which came into operation during October and November 1983, involve the provision by the office holders concerned of their own cars in place of State cars on the basis of a mileage allowance and the cost of civilian drivers being paid from State funds.
My Department are not in a position to furnish the total costs sought in the Question as the claims for travelling expenses and the cost of employing civilian drivers are met individually by the Departments concerned.
In so far as my Department are concerned, the Minister of State for my Department does not employ a civilian driver, and as an exceptional measure is provided with an official car and Garda driver for long official journeys, as required. In the twelve-month period 1 October 1983 — 30 September 1984 the Minister was provided with these transport facilities on 12 occasions, at an estimated cost of approximately £2,000.
