Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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215. To ask the Minister for Finance the total cost of Ministerial transport in his Department in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date 2013; the number of drivers employed in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30553/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As and from 1 May 2011 all Cabinet Ministers, with the exception of Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Law Reform now use their own cars on official business. Prior to this date, transport for Ministers was provided via the Department of Justice and Equality. In relation to the use of my car for Ministerial travel, the total cost has been €272,461 for the period 01 May 2011 to date in 2013. This cost includes mileage ( which is to cover car related expenses) of €41,906, the salaries paid to two civilian drivers, inclusive of Employer PRSI contributions, which amounted to €170,094 and travel and subsistence paid to the drivers of €60,461. This amount is significantly below the €280,000 average annual cost under the previous domestic Ministerial transport regime for each Minister.