Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 629: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money spent on new State cars for Ministers and office holders in 2008; the anticipated expenditure on such in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1261/09]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 704: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of new cars acquired during 2008 for the provision of transport in respect of members of the Government, Judiciary and others who qualify for Garda drivers; the make and model of car purchased in each case; the cost of each vehicle; the number of cars it is planned to acquire in respect of 2009; the make and model in each case; the cost of each vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2131/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 629 and 704 together.

State cars are provided for the President, Taoiseach, Ministers, Chief Justice, the DPP, the Attorney General, the Chief Whip, the Ceann Comhairle, the Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs and former Taoisigh and Presidents. The following cars were purchased for the fleet in 2008: three BMW 525s, one Audi A6, one Volvo S80, one Citroen C6, one Mercedes S320 and one Ford Galaxy. In line with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, all cars are diesel powered. The total amount of money spent on new State cars for office holders in 2008 was €509,675.85. For commercial reasons, it is not proposed to provide a breakdown of the cost of each car.

There are no set rules as to when office holder cars are replaced. In general, cars are replaced when, due to age, condition and/or mileage, they are considered no longer economic to maintain. It is not possible to say at this stage what cars will be purchased this year. Due to the age profile of the fleet, a significant number of cars were replaced during 2007 and 2008. Accordingly, a smaller number of cars are expected to need to be replaced this year.