Ivor Callely
Question:189 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the total cost of ministerial car transport in 1995; if he will give a breakdown of all such costs and any special arrangements and associated costs. [5047/96]
Written Answers. - Ministerial Car Transport.
Ivor Callely
Question:190 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of ministerial car transport in 1996; the number of cars and personnel involved; and the special arrangements, if any, in place. [5073/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together. There are 40 cars in the ministerial fleet at present; 17 are permanently assigned to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Government Ministers including the Chief Whip and the Minister of State to the Government. Others are assigned to the President, former Presidents, former Taoisigh, former Ministers for Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, and the Ceann Comhairle. Some 11 vehicles are not specifically allocated to individuals and are used when vehicles are undergoing repairs, maintenance, etc.
Twelve new vehicles were purchased for the ministerial fleet in 1995 at a cost of £453,600. It is estimated that the runing cost of the fleet in 1995, including petrol, service, maintenance and repairs was approximately £200,000. This figure does not include the cost of Garda drivers who work on a week-on week-off basis. It is anticipated that similar sums to those expended in 1995 will be spent on ministerial transport in 1996.