Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for Ministers and Ministers of State in her Department for 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15679/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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On taking office the Government reformed the transport arrangements for Ministers which has reduced the costs of travel. The Government decision involved confining the use of State cars from 1 May 2011. As a result, the average cost of providing transport has been reduced by 65% - from an average cost of €280,000 per minister in 2010 to a current annual estimate of €100,000 per annum.

In line with the reformed arrangements, 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, such as road tax and insurance. The engine size of my car is 1400cc and the rate applicable is 46.25 cent per kilometre. The mileage costs which I claimed in 2012 amounted to €7,105.89. I have two civilian drivers, both on a remuneration rate of €631.75 per week. The total salary costs involved in 2012 were €65,828.16. 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 in 2012 was €1,362.56. The total cost incurred in all of the above amounts to €74,296.61 in 2012. There is no Minister of State assigned to the Department.