Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. [11109/09]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 133: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of drivers she has working for her and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11123/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions 132 and 133 together.

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a longstanding arrangement, all Government Ministers and certain other State officials are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of gardaí who are 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.

Each Minister of State at my Department has two civilian drivers who work on a week on — week off basis. The current salary for civilian drivers is €667.43 per week as provided for in the "Instructions relating to the appointment of Ministerial Private Office Staff" issued by the Department of Finance.