Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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522.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total cost savings in each year to date of the decision in 2011 to abolish the entitlement of former Taoisigh to the use of State cars and drivers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24681/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government decided in 2011 that former Office Holders, including former Taoisigh, would no longer as a matter of routine be supplied with official cars or personal protection officers but that such transport would be made available to them, if required, on important State occasions. The Deputy should note that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes all operational policing matters and as Minister I have no role in such matters.

I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that it is not possible to accurately calculate the annual savings accrued. This is due to the large number of variables involved, including, but not limited to; the number of former Taoisigh, the number and rank of Gardaí that would have been assigned, fuel and maintenance costs.