Coveney welcomes Ministerial transport cuts and staffing reductions
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Government agrees new cost cutting arrangements for transport and staff support for Ministers in line with the terms of the Programme for Government.
Minister Simon Coveney TD has welcomed the new arrangements stating: ‘These changes will produce very substantial savings, more than halving the cost of transport for Ministers and a significant reduction in staffing of Ministers' Offices .’
‘These reductions are a firm signal by Government that we are determined to change the old ways of doings things and recognise the need for the political system to lead by example in efforts to save money.’
‘I’ve stated for the last number of months that were I to become a Minister I would not accept a State car. Yesterday, as a Government, we have decided that only those who need State cars and Garda drivers for security purposes will retain this service.’
Garda drivers and State cars will be retained only for the President, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Justice for security reasons. Ministers, together with the Ceann Comhairle and the Attorney General, will supply their own cars and civilian drivers will be hired, as has been the case for Ministers of State for some years.
In addition, official cars and Garda drivers will no longer be provided to former Taoisigh and former Presidents (except for important State occasions).
The new arrangements will come into effect for Ministers at the latest on 1 May, and in 3 months in the case of former Taoisigh and Presidents.
The effect of this will be the release of a substantial number of Gardaí to regular duties, as well as more than halving the cost of Ministerial transport.
The permitted staffing of the Private Offices and Constituency Offices of Ministers and Ministers of State is also being reduced with immediate effect to make cost savings.
The combination of these measures will make a significant impact on the cost of Government and reflects the determination of the Government to establish a momentum for political reform.