Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht 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. [25369/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, following substantial Departmental reconfigurations. Accordingly, it is not possible to provide a comparison of the annual cost for the provision of civilian drivers and Ministers using their own cars with the previous scheme of Garda drivers and State cars.

The amount spent on drivers and Ministerial transport, covering both Minister and Minister of State at my Department, in the period from 2 June 2011 to date is €222,657.51. All such expenditure has been incurred in full conformity with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidance on such matters.