Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in her Department and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11113/09]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of drivers she has working for her and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11127/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.

In accordance with the Department of Finance Instructions relating to the appointment of Ministerial Private Office Staff, three of my Ministers of State, Ms Máire Hoctor T.D, Ms Mary Wallace T.D and Mr John Moloney T.D have appointed two civilian drivers each, who work on a week on -week off basis. There is a one-point pay scale for civilian drivers, who are paid €667.43 per week.

There are no drivers employed directly by either myself or my colleague Mr Barry Andrews T.D., Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Children and Youth Affairs. Minister Barry Andrews is entitled to a State car on the basis that, as Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Children and Youth Affairs, he attends Government Cabinet Meetings. Under a long-standing arrangement, all Government Ministers are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. These Gardaí provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote of An Garda Síochána and individual rates of remuneration are not readily available.