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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 5

Ceisteanna–Questions. - Former Taoiseach's Facilities.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

7 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the facilities or privileges provided by his Department to a former Taoiseach (details supplied); the estimated annual cost of such privileges or facilities; the plans, if any, there are to review these privileges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15896/00]

John Bruton

Question:

8 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, he has to review the facilities and privileges afforded to a former Taoiseach (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16486/00]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.

In accordance with arrangements generally for former Taoisigh, my Department meets the costs of a car mobile phone installed in the State car provided for former Taoiseach, Mr. Haughey. The cost of calls on this phone is also met from my Department's Vote.

The estimated average annual cost for the use of this facility in respect of Mr. Haughey over the period 1997 to 1999 is £978.75. The estimated average annual cost for the same period in respect of the former Taoisigh, who have held office since the facility was first introduced in 1987, is £7,039.36. In addition, there was a once-off cost of £417.45 in 1999 to upgrade the phone and car installation for Mr. Haughey.

No other facilities are provided by my Department to Mr. Haughey. There are no proposals for review of the arrangements for the provision of State cars for former Taoisigh with which the car mobile phone facility is linked.

Does the Taoiseach think it is appropriate that privileges to which the former Taoiseach is not legally entitled should continue to be extended to him in light of the findings of the McCracken tribunal and other matters which have come into the public domain? These are grace and favour privileges, not legal entitlements. The conferring of those grace and favour privileges upon a person who, it would appear, has been found by the McCracken tribunal and by others to have engaged—

The Deputy should put a question rather than make statements.

Yes, I am simply referring to the findings of the McCracken tribunal. Does the Taoiseach think it is appropriate for those privileges to be continued and, if so, why?

The arrangements for the former Taoiseach are limited enough. They are not entitlements, of course, but they have been there for a long time. I think they are not unduly costly and I do not propose to try to change them.

May I ask what the cost of the former Taoiseach's State car is?

That is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

That question would be more appropriate for another Minister.

I should put down a Dáil Question to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform?

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