My Department was established on 2 June 2011. In line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on ministerial appointments, I employ two civilian drivers on a week on/week off basis to drive my private car on official business. Each driver receives €631.75 per week in respect of these duties and is not entitled to claim overtime. Civilian drivers are entitled to claim subsistence payments in respect of certified official travel at the appropriate Civil Service rates and under the regulations applying to such subsistence. The total costs of Ministerial transport which includes civilian driver salaries, travel and subsistence and the mileage claims in respect of the use of my personal car on official business since June 2011 is set out as follows:
YEAR
|
TOTAL TRANSPORT COSTS PAID
|
From June to end 2011
|
€53,221
|
2012
|
€86,669
|
To date 2013
|
€42,670
|