Ministerial Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (893)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

893. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the former Tánaiste ceded his State car and Garda driver; the reason this was not done automatically when he ceased to be Tánaiste; the cost per annum of such services for the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality; and the figures for each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. [15157/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I understand it is the decision of the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána that it is appropriate for the current arrangements to remain in place for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate to comment any further on security arrangements which are kept under ongoing review by An Garda Síochána.

I have requested the costs per annum of such services and the figures for the years in question from An Garda Síochána and will write to the Deputy upon receipt of them.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 893 for answer on 14 July 2020, in which the Deputy data on when the former Tánaiste ceded their State car and Garda driver; the reason this was not done automatically when they ceased to be Tánaiste; the cost per annum of such services for the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality; and the figures for each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020.

The Deputy will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.

I understand it is the decision of the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána that it is appropriate for the current arrangements to remain in place for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence. As you will appreciate, it would not be appropriate to comment any further on security arrangements, which are kept under ongoing review by An Garda Síochána.

With regard to the figures you requested, they are presented below in tabular form:

Salary, Maintenance & Fuel Costs for listed Office Holders vehicles

2018-2020 to date (30/06/2020)

	2018	2019	2020 to 30/06
	€	€	€
Taoiseach	201,399	211,287	111,347
Tanaiste	212,967	209,176	114,140
Minister for Justice	194,760	203,711	115,011

In 2019, 2 vehicles were purchased for €163k in respect of vehicles for listed Office Holders.

I hope this information is of assistance.

Questions Nos. 894 to 896, inclusive, answered with Question No. 889.