Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Finance 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. [11111/09]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11125/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a long-standing 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 which 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 and individual rates of remuneration are not readily available.

There are two drivers employed by the Office of Public Works for Minister of State, Dr. Martin Mansergh. Each driver receives an annual salary of €34,826.