Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who are employed full-time as drivers for Government Ministers and for other persons holding State office; the guidelines or regulations which cover their employment; if there are requirements to carry out domestic or family duties; if he proposes to review the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11447/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Ministerial State cars are placed at the disposal of Government Ministers and others pursuant to a long standing arrangement and are supplied to the following: the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste; 13 Government Ministers; the President, the Government Chief Whip; the Ceann Comhairle; the Attorney General; the Director of Public Prosecutions; the Chief Justice; and former Taoisigh and Presidents.

Ministerial cars are Garda cars driven by Garda drivers who have completed special advanced driving courses. I 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 which 56 are allocated on a full-time basis as drivers for the ministerial fleet. The remaining 21 gardaí are on a relief panel and cover periods of absences through annual leave and illness.

These drivers are tasked with providing close personal protection to Government Ministers and other designated protected VIPs, in addition to their driving duties. State cars are available to the users on a 24 hour per day basis.