Labour calls for end to garda chauffeurs

Labour's justice spokesperson Pat Rabbitte has said it is time to end the practice whereby each government minister is escorted around the country by a garda driver.

New figures show that 83 gardaí act as security drivers for ministers, judges and former Taoisigh at a cost of €6m per year.

Pat Rabbitte said the job could be done by qualified civilians as there is no longer a threat to ministers from paramilitaries.