Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2004
122 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of serving members of the Garda employed as full-time drivers for Government Ministers, former Ministers or judicial figures; the annual cost in terms of salaries of such drivers; if it is intended to replace these personnel with civilian drivers in order to free up Garda personnel to combat crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27248/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that there are currently 77 gardaí attached to the ministerial pool of whom 58 are allocated on a full-time basis to drive Ministers, former taoisigh, former Presidents and judicial figures. The remaining 19 gardaí are on a relief panel and cover periods of absences through annual leave and illness. I am further informed that the annual salary costs of such drivers is approximately €5.2 million. There are currently no plans to replace gardaí in the ministerial pool with civilian drivers.
