Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1035: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of drivers for each individual Junior Minister in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11108/09]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1036: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11122/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1035 and 1036 together.

There are no drivers directly employed at my Department to assist me in carrying out my functions. All Government Ministers and some other State officials are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí which are allocated on a full time basis to Ministers. In addition to driving the vehicle they also provide security protection. The cost of the service is funded from the vote of An Garda Síochána and as such salary details of the drivers concerned are not recorded at my Department.

My Department employs two civilian drivers to assist the Minister of State at my Department, Mr. Sean Haughey T.D. in carrying out his official functions. They are engaged on a week on week off basis and are on a single point pay scale which is currently at the rate of €667.43 per week.