asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the names, addresses and qualifications of drivers employed by his Minister of State; the allowances and other expenses paid; and the estimated cost of travel in 1983 under the new arrangements in comparison with the cost of the provision of State cars in 1983.
Written Answers. - Minister of State's Drivers.
331.
The Minister of State at the Department of Industry and Energy, Mr. Edward Collins, has employed two former members of the Garda Síochána as civilian drivers. Their annual salary is £9,000 each and subsistence allowances not exceeding £3,000 each per annum is also payable. For security reasons, I do not feel it would be appropriate for me to give the names and addresses of the drivers.
I understand that the cost of providing official transport for Ministers is not kept in Garda records in such a way as to enable the comparative costs sought to be given.