279 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide mileage payments made annually since 2007 to staff for travel purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3955/11]

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

280 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport if the Ministers of State in his Department have drivers; the salary provided to each driver annually since 2007; the expenses provided to the Ministers of State for use of their car or mileage annually since 2007; the familial relationship between the Minister and the driver if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3970/11]

Minister of State Pat ‘The Cope' Gallagher engaged two civilian drivers in the period to June 2007 at an annual salary of €33,154 and incurred expenses of €14,178. Minister of State Noel Ahern engaged 2 civilian drivers from 13th May, 2008, to 21st April, 2009 at an annual salary of €34,826, incurring expenses of €16,222. Minister of State Ciaran Cuffe did not engage civilian drivers and incurred no expenses. I am not aware of any family connection between the drivers and the Ministers of State concerned.