Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 120: To ask the Taoiseach the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11116/09]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 121: To ask the Taoiseach the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11130/09]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.

Mr. Pat Carey T.D., Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence, is assigned two official drivers. Their assignment and remuneration is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Mr. Dick Roche T.D., Minister of State at my Department and at the Department of Foreign Affairs is assigned two civilian drivers. Their assignment and remuneration is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs.

I have two full-time official drivers who are assigned to me by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform which is also responsible for their remuneration and for providing back-up drivers in their absence. My drivers and those of the Government Chief Whip, are members of An Garda Síochána and are drawn from a pool of gardaí allocated on a full time basis to all Government Ministers and certain State officials. These gardaí provide personal protection and security in addition to their driving duties.