I propose to take Questions Nos. 180, 188 and 275 together.
In March 2011, the Government agreed new measures for Cabinet Ministers in relation to the provision of official transport to take effect from 1st May 2011. Between the formation of the Government on the 9th March 2011 until the 30th, April 2011 each senior Minister was provided with a state car. From the 1st, May 2011 in line with the revised procedures for cabinet ministers. Ministers are now required to provide their own transport.
As there is extensive travel involved in undertaking the duties of the office of Minister and Minister of State, and in line with the practice adopted by previous Governments, travel expenses are claimed at intervals by way of a statement provided by each Minister or Minister of State certifying the travel undertaken in connection with the office. I am provided with two civilian drivers who are paid a wage of €631.75 per week and any relevant subsistence allowance in respect of their official duties (the total subsistence paid in 2011 amounted to €1,468.11). Between 1st May and December 2011 I claimed €10,778.74 mileage expenses. Minister of State Ciaran Cannon claimed €21,465.82 mileage expenses between 9th March and 31st December 2011. The basis on which Ministers record their mileage does not require them to list individual trips.