Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 796: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of drivers for each individual junior Minister in her Department and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11115/09]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 797: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of drivers she has working for her and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11129/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 803: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into her Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11684/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 796, 797 and 803 together.

The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Hoctor, has special responsibility for older people, areas of which fall under the remit of my Department. Details in respect of any drivers employed by Deputy Hoctor are a matter for the Department of Health And Children.

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a long standing arrangement, all Government Ministers are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda S?ochána from a pool of garda? which is allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. These garda? provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

None of the staff serving in the Agencies under the aegis of the Department are in receipt of fixed car allowances.