asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs 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. - Ministers of State.
206.
The Deputy will appreciate that, in the interest of security the names and addresses of drivers should not be divulged. Two drivers took up duty during November 1983. Both drivers had extensive driving experience before appointment. Allowances and other expenses paid are a weekly wage of £172.30 plus Civil Service Class C rates of subsistance.
The cost of travel of the Minister of State for 1983, under the new arrangements, was £2,755. As the Deputy will probably be aware, mileage expenses are paid on a reducing scale over a 12-month period. 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 cost sought to be given.