asked the Minister for Education if he will state in respect of each Minister of State in his Department, for the last year for which figures are available; the number of civilian drivers employed, the total cost of salaries paid to the drivers; the total cost of expenses paid to the drivers; and the total mileage allowance paid to the Ministers of State in respect of the use of their own car.
Written Answers. - Ministerial Travelling Expenses.
159.
If Ministers of State had been provided with official transport and Garda drivers, it is estimated that the cost would have been, on average £84,000 in 1985.
The costs actually incurred in 1985 were as follows: (a) in respect of Deputy Donal Creed, Minister of State: Number of civilian drivers, 2; Cost of drivers' salaries, £19,523.90; Expenses paid to drivers, £4,795; Total mileage allowance paid to Minister of State, £16,346; Total £40,664.90.
The savings resulting from the use of the Minister of State's own car and civilian drivers were in the region of £43,500 in 1985. (b) In respect of Deputy George Birmingham, Minister of State: No costs were borne by my Department.