Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 7

Written Answers. - State Cars.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

80 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice the names of all the people who are provided with a State car, and in each case the type and model of the car; the list price and date of purchase of each car; the total cost of providing State cars and drivers to the Exchequer; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

State cars are provided to each member of the Government, the President, the Attorney General, the Ceann Comhairle, the Chief Whip and former Taoisigh. It would be contrary to established practice to give details of cars allocated to the individuals concerned on the grounds of security. However, I can say that the State fleet at present comprises the following makes of cars — Mercedes, Ford, Opel, BMW, Volvo, Alfa Romeo and Saab.

These cars were purchased at various stages in 1990, 1991 and 1992. The cars in the State fleet are not purchased at the list price. Individual prices are negotiated and are confidential as between the supplier and the State. This enables us to achieve the best possible value for money for the State.

The total cost of the cars purchased in 1992 less the amount accruing from the sale of old State cars in the same year was £374,000. The annual cost of providing drivers, who are members of the Garda Síochána, including overtime and allowances is estimated at £1.8 million. However, after tax deductions the net cost to the Exchequer would be considerably less.