Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent of money spent on ministerial transport in her Department for each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. [31589/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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My Department was established on 2 June 2011. In line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on ministerial appointments, I employ two civilian drivers on a week on/week off basis to drive my private car on official business. Each driver receives €631.75 per week in respect of these duties and are not entitled to claim overtime. A total of €40,179.30 was paid in civilian driver salaries in 2011. Civilian drivers are entitled to claim subsistence payments in respect of certified official travel at the appropriate Civil Service rates and under the regulations applying to such subsistence. A total of €2,476.41 was paid in 2011 in this regard.

In addition, mileage claims totalling €10,565.65 in respect of the use of my personal car on official business were paid in 2011.