Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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259. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a schedule of the employment status in the civil service of each civilian driver who has been replaced by an official Garda driver in her Ministerial driver corps; if VER payments have issued; and if any cases have been presented to the WRC to date on foot of the changes. [59776/22]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that I have two Civilian Drivers currently assigned to me since the formation of this current Government. Both appointments were made in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform instructions regarding Ministerial Appointments for the 33^rdDáil and staffing for Ministerial Offices.Both officials were hired on fixed-term contracts to temporary positions in the Civil Service.

I am aware of arrangements currently underway whereby members of An Garda Síochána are to be assigned as Ministerial Garda drivers. At this time, no Ministerial Garda drivers have been assigned to me.

I am advised that both Civilian Drivers appointed to me have been advised regarding the severance and redeployment options that may be available following assignment of Ministerial Garda drivers.