Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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326. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of miles claimed for and the amount of travel expenses paid to her and each Minister of State in her Department in respect of their functions as a Minister in her Department [36393/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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On taking office, this Government reformed the transport arrangement for Ministers which has radically reduced the cost of travel. The Government decision involved confining the use of State cars from 1 May 2011 to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence. 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.

I now use my own car for official business and have appointed two civilian drivers in accordance with Department of Finance instructions on Ministerial appointments. The travel/mileage allowance 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 number of miles I have claimed for since 1 May 2011 is 55,695 and the amount is €17,966.15.

A further €857 in respect of travel expenses has been paid to me since taking up office.

There is no Minister of State attached to my Department.