Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Alan Shatter, minister for justice, is among those who will get to keep his car Julien Behal/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Government will retain at least 20 garda drivers for State cars

Some 12 ministers will have to return their ministerial cars and provide their own with a civilian driver but some garda drivers are being retained.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL retain at least 20 of the current 54 ministerial car drivers despite a shift to private cars and civilian drivers.

Citing garda sources, the Sunday Business Post reports that State cars and drivers will be retained for former taoisigh attending official occasions, the president, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the minister for justice, the director of public prosecution and the chief justice.

The total number of garda drivers retained will be 12 as well as a further 10 “substitute” drivers.

Some 12 cabinet ministers will lose their ministerial cars and drivers and will have to provide their own car with civilian drivers as a result of one of the first decisions the new government made when it took office that will save about €4 million over a two-year period.

Read more from Niamh Connolly in today’s Sunday Business Post >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Hugh O'Connell
Close
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds