Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the cost to her Department of the senior Minister's car in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if she will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10645/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Government decided in March 2011 to confine the use of State cars from 1 May 2011. Accordingly, I now use my own car for official business. The travel /mileage rates payable depend on the car engine size and also incorporate a number of expense elements associated with the cost of running a car. These cost elements include insurance, full membership of AA/RAC, road tax and licence. The engine size of my car is 1400cc and the rate applicable is 46.25 cent per kilometre.

The mileage costs, which I have claimed since 01 May 2011 to 31 December 2011, amount to €5,825.92.

I have two civilian drivers, both on a remuneration rate of €631.75 per week. The total salary costs involved was €34,924.70.

They may also claim travel and subsistence allowances, in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations for necessary absences on official duties from home and headquarters.

Total cost of travel and subsistence claimed by my drivers to 31 Dec 2011 is €733.25

The total cost incurred in all of the above amounts to €41,483.87.