Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual cost of the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers in 2011 and to date in 2012; if he will provide a comparison of the annual cost of the provision of civilian drivers and the Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars.. [25380/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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In response to the Deputy's question the annual costs for the new scheme introduced for the provision of drivers for Ministers are a matter for each Department. In relation to the use of my car for Ministerial travel under this scheme, the total cost for the period May 2011- May 2012 has been €119,337.32. This cost includes mileage (which is to cover car related expenses), the salaries paid to civilian drivers, travel and subsistence paid to the drivers and Employer PRSI contributions in respect of the two drivers. This amount is significantly below the €280,000 average annual cost under the previous domestic Ministerial transport regime for each Minister.