Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004
19 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of serving members of the gardaí employed as full-time drivers for Ministers, former Ministers and judicial figures; the annual cost in terms of salaries of such drivers; if he intends to undertake an assessment of whether this is the best use of Garda resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32507/04]
View answerMinisterial State cars are placed at the disposal of Ministers and others pursuant to a long standing arrangement and are supplied to the following: Taoiseach, Tánaiste, 13 Ministers, President, Chief Whip, Ceann Comhairle, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions, 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. I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that there are currently 75 gardaí attached to the ministerial pool, of whom 56 are allocated on a full-time basis to drive Ministers, former Taoisigh, former Presidents and judicial figures. The remaining 19 gardaí are on a relief panel and cover periods of absences through annual leave and illness.
I am further informed that the annual costs of such drivers is approximately €5.2 million and includes salaries, allowances and subsistence. As these drivers are currently tasked with providing personal protection to the Ministers, there are currently no plans to replace them in the ministerial pool with civilian drivers.
