Vol. 453 No. 6
75 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for the Environment the circumstances that motivated the establishment of the National Roads Authority; the cost to the Exchequer of the undertaking; the number of people employed by the Agency; its annual payroll; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9727/95]
The second reading speech made by the Minister for the Environment on the Roads Bill, 1991, provides information on the circumstances that motivated the establishment of the National Roads Authority (Dail Debates, 27 November 1991, Vol. 413, No. 6, Col. 1306; 3 December 1991, Vol. 413, No. 9, Col. 1955).
The 1995 Exchequer grant provision towards the administration and general expenses of the Authority is £2.37 million. The Authority has a staff of 67 people, at an estimated total cost in respect of pay of £1.52 million. Of this total, £1.37 million is in respect of 41 former staff of the Environmental Research Unit and 17 staff of my Department who have either been formally transferred to the Authority or are seconded to, or providing services for, the Authority.
