Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Finance the amount spent by his Department on drivers and Ministerial transport since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37590/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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In relation to the use of my car for Ministerial travel, the total cost has been €173,434 for the period May 2011 to date in September 2012. This cost included 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.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Finance the total amount spent since February 2011 on external reports commissioned by his Department, including payments from Ministerial allowances, details of the consultants employed and costs of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37622/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The following amounts have been incurred in respect of reports commissioned by my Department from external consultants in the period since February 2011: €52,454 – Mazars; €60,500 – Charles River Associates; €61,553 - Deloitte & Touche; €60,885 - Mazars.

With regard to Ministerial allowances, the Deputy will be aware that these are block payments which can, within certain guidelines laid down by the Standards in Public Office Commission, be used at the discretion of the Minister and my Department has no involvement in the disbursement of such allowances.