Question to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Mr. Alex White, TD)
To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent by his Department on ministerial drivers and associated travel expenses for each of the past four years; the way this compares to similar expenditure for the four years 2007 to 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Jerry Buttimer
For WRITTEN ANSWERS on Tuesday, 20 January 2015.
REPLY
Ministerial Drivers Expenditure:
| Year | Total Spent |
| 2007 | Nil |
| 2008 | €57,379* |
| 2009 | €39,806* |
| 2010 | Nil ** |
| Total | €97,185 |
*Minister of State Drivers only
** In 2010 the Minister of State who was assigned to this Department was also assigned to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the associated costs were paid by that Department.
Up to 2011 all Government Ministers were provided with a State car that was driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí, two of whom were assigned to the Minister at the that time. The cost of this service was funded from the Vote of an Garda Síochána.
The Government decided on 15 March 2011, that with the exception of the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, who retained their State car and Garda Drivers, the travel arrangements that were in place for Ministers of State would apply to all Ministers with regard to their official travel.
Under these new arrangements, Ministers could appoint two civilian drivers to drive the Minister’s car and claim mileage in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines.
Ministerial Drivers Expenditure:
|
Year |
Total Spent |
|
2011 |
€107,112* |
|
2012 |
€173,729 |
|
2013 |
€177,597 |
|
2014 |
€163,093 |
|
Total |
€621.531
|
*Minister Rabbitte took office in March 2011 and drivers were therefore not appointed until after this date
Costs in the preceding tables consist of salaries, employers PRSI, travel and subsistence and expenses. Costs for 2009 and 2014 also include redundancy and severance payments in relation to individual staff.