Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 125: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent of money spent on ministerial transport in her Department for each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. [31599/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 March 2012, amount to €8,341.92.

I have two civilian drivers, both on a remuneration rate of €631.75 per week. The total salary costs involved to date has been €66,465.62. 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 date is €1,225.04. The total cost incurred in all of the above amounts to €76,032.58

On taking office the Government reformed the transport arrangements for Ministers which has radically reduced the costs of travel - the average cost of providing transport has been reduced by 65% from the previous transport system (average cost €280,000 in 2010 to a current annual estimate of €100,000 per annum).

The system adopted is based on the system that has been in place for Ministers of State since 1984.

The previous practice whereby all Ministers were provided with State cars and Garda drivers fell within the remit of the Department of Justice and in this regard details of the costs involved would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.