Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 3

Written Answers. - Ministerial Transport.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

86 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of purchasing new cars for the ministerial car fleet for each year since 1998; the total amount spent to date in 2003; the total amount allocated for this purpose in the estimates for 2004; the total running cost of the car fleet for 2003; his plans to consider cutting costs in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28263/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources that the total cost of purchasing ministerial cars for each of the years concerned is outlined as follows:

1998	€480,350.35
1999	€502,947.75
2000	€551,408.28
2001	€677,277.22
2002	€597,438.75
2003	€125,970.80, up to 20/11/03.

The total running cost of the ministerial cars, excluding the cost of ministerial drivers, for the year 2003, up to 31 October 2003, is €403,929. State cars, which are placed at the disposal of Government Ministers and others under long-standing arrangements are supplied to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the 13 Government Ministers, the President, the Chief Whip, the Ceann Comhairle, the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Chief Justice and former Taoisigh and Presidents.

There are no set rules as to when ministerial cars are replaced but, in general, those which are two years old and or have a mileage in excess of 100,000 miles are considered for replacement. Accordingly, it is proposed to replace a number of ministerial cars. Orders are due to be placed soon for the following vehicles: seven Mercedes E240s, one Mercedes E320 and one Volvo S80 2.5T. The final associated costs have yet to be determined. However, it is estimated that the cost of purchasing these vehicles will amount to approximately €550,000.

Ministerial cars are paid for out of the transport subhead of the Garda Vote which covers the cost of purchasing, maintenance and other miscellaneous expenses of the Garda fleet including ministerial cars. Although no particular amount has been allocated within the transport subhead for the purchase of ministerial cars in 2004, sufficient funds will be reserved having regard to the fact that these are occasional purchases.