Official Travel.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2005

Tuesday, 10 May 2005

Ceisteanna (124)

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

175 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the Government recently made a decision to approve the allocation of two civilian drivers for the Leader of the Seanad; if so, the date of this approval and the effective date; if any legislation or regulation was required for such a decision; if so, the titles and dates of such documentation; his estimate of the full year cost of the decision based on the similar facility available to Ministers of State; if other such measures for Seanad Members are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15119/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance (Mr. Cowen)

Under established arrangements governing transport for office holders, Ministers of State other than the Chief Whip, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad are provided with two civilian drivers. The Leader of the Seanad became an office holder when section 7 of the Ministerial, Parliamentary and Judicial Offices and Oireachtas Members (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2001 took effect. Although the present Leader of the Seanad initially declined the offer of civilian drivers when she became an office holder, she indicated to my predecessor last summer that she wished to have the offer activated and that was done. Her two drivers recruited in February and April of this year, are paid from the Vote of the Department of the Taoiseach. The maximum additional annual cost, at current rates, based on the facilities provided to Ministers of State, is approximately €88,000. I have no plans to extend the arrangement to other Members of the Seanad.