Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 333: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11904/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The accompanying tables provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport for me as Minister in 2011. Prior to the Government Decision of 15th March 2011 Cabinet Ministers had the use of State Cars, therefore all transport costs were met by the Department of Justice and Equality. Details of mileage expenses for the period 1st May 2011 to 31st December 2011.

The current arrangement with regard to the use of my private car for official business makes provision for the employment of two civilian drivers. Details of salaries for civilian drivers for the period 1 May 2011 to 31 December 2011 and subsistence expenses in respect of the same period are set out as follows:

In addition to the expenses outlined above, my Department paid €167.27 directly to a service provider in respect of tolls incurred in the course of official business.

It should be noted that based on Department of Justice, Equality and Defence estimates, the previous average costs for the provision of ministerial transport was of the order of €280,000 per annum.