The accompanying table provides details of the mileage and car-related expenses paid to me by my Department in respect of the use of my private car during the period 1 June to 31 December 2011. As requested by the Deputy, this figure includes payments made to me in 2012 related to a 2011 claim:
Date:
|
Purpose of expenditure:
|
Amount:
|
1 June to 31 December 2011
|
Mileage expenses in respect of use of private car for official business.
|
€4,574.45
|
I wish to advise the Deputy that in accordance with the Government Decision of 15th March 2011, I may claim mileage expenses for the use of my private car in accordance with rates and regulations set down by the Department of Finance. The mileage rates payable include capital costs as well as depreciation, comprehensive insurance (Class 1), maintenance and petrol.
This arrangement regarding the use of my private car for official business also makes provision for the employment of two civilian drivers. Civilian drivers may claim subsistence on the same basis as civil servants with the exception of certain drivers who live more than 24.14kms. or more from the G.P.O.
Details of salaries and subsistence expenses paid to the Civilian drivers in respect of the period — 1 June to 31 December 2011 are set out in the following table:
Driver
|
Salary
|
Subsistence
|
Driver 1
|
€19,331.55
|
€224.86
|
Driver 2
|
€20,595.05
|
€398.47
|
There were no further expenses incurred in respect of overtime for the period in question.
It should be noted that based on Department of Justice, Equality and Defence estimates, the previous average costs for the provision of Ministerial transport was of the order of €280,000 per annum.