Taxpayers are set to get a bill for €5million to bring back ‘Mercs and perks’ for all ministers.
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, is to bring a report to Cabinet for armed Garda drivers and souped-up cars to be reintroduced for all ministers.
Currently only a limited number of the most senior members of Government, including the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Justice.
But recent “credible threats” from various far-right organisations have led the security measure to be extended to three more ministers, Finance, Public Expenditure and Health.
However, a Government source confirmed to the Irish Mirror last night that the entire Cabinet of 15 members is set to have drivers and special cars brought back in.
The current cost of providing four ministers, the President, the Chief Justice and the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) is estimated to cost in the region of €2.5million a year.
The addition of eleven more ministers with two drivers rostered each on €40,000 a year, new cars at around €60,000 and various other costs would add another €2.5million to the bill facing the taxpayer, bringing the total to over €5million.
Ms McEntee was asked about the plan yesterday (SUN), and she said: “What we have and what I have is a report from gardaí, the report has not been brought to Cabinet yet.
“So until it’s brought to Cabinet, I’m not going to comment any further on it.”
Two and a half weeks ago the Irish Mirror reported that three more Government Ministers were to be given round the clock armed garda protection amid serious threats from extremist fringe groups.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath have been given hand-picked Close Protection Officers.
After senior gardai carried out a risk assessment which revealed serious threats from both far right and far left groups on Donnelly, Donohoe and McGrath, Commissioner Drew Harris ordered the armed guards for the trio.
The Mirror understands the new safety measures will mean civilian drivers for the three will be replaced by armed gardai driving official State cars.
The Close Protection Officers (CPOs) are specially trained both as drivers and as bodyguards - and armed at all times.
One Department of Justice source said: “It means these three Ministers will have protection for both public and private occasions - in effect it will be 24/7.
“Menacing messages have been posted online and mailed directly to ministers.
“So if they are heading into the Dail, or simply for a pint, they will have armed garda protection from these CPOs.”
