Ministerial Travel

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Questions (225)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

251 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he uses a State car; the type of car that is used; how often he has used it since coming to office; the cost of the person employed to drive the car; the cost of their salary; the cost of their vehicle expenses; if the person employed as their driver was previously a State employee; if that person is also in receipt of a State pension; the total cost of the service to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9714/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

In March 2011, the Government agreed new measures for Cabinet Ministers in relation to the provision of official transport to take effect from 1 May 2011. On my appointment as Minister from 9 March 2011 until 30 April 2011, I was provided with a State car. Since 1 May 2011, in line with the revised procedures, I have used my own car. I am provided with the services of two civilian drivers who are retired members of An Garda Síochána and are in receipt of a Garda pension. They are paid a wage of €631.75 per week and any appropriate subsistence allowances in respect of their official duties. The total subsistence payments for the two drivers for 2011 amounted to €1,468.11. Up to 31 December 2011, I claimed €10,966 in respect of travel expenses. It should be noted that the travel arrangements for Ministers in the previous Fianna Fáil — Green Party Government cost the taxpayer an average of approximately €280,000 per annum per Minister.