asked the Minister for Finance whether any new post in the Office of the Minister for Justice was created during 1954; and, if so, who was appointed to it; what changes, if any, took place in the basis of remuneration; and what was the total amount paid out of public funds in respect of such post.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post in Office of Minister for Justice.
6.
A new temporary post of Ministerial Personal Assistant in the Office of the Minister for Justice was created in 1954. Mr. Richard Ryan, B.A., Solicitor, was appointed to it, on the scale £435 × 25—800 a year plus authorised percentage additions (equivalent to £525—945 inclusive), which he entered at a point four increments above the minimum. He was paid an allowance of £100 a year in respect of private secretarial duties.
As from the 1st November, 1955, by virtue of a general increase in civil service pay, the inclusive equivalent of the scale became £570—1,018, and the allowance became £105.
As from the 30th August, 1956, on which date the officer was married, the scale was revised to £435 × 34— 965 plus authorised percentage additions (equivalent to £570—1,220 inclusive), the allowance of £105 a year being continued.
The total amount paid out of public funds to the holder of the post was £2,143.
Could the Minister say on what date this man took up duty?
The 10th August, 1954.
Would the Minister state if it is usual for the holder of such an office to receive increased remuneration on marriage? Has it happened before? Is there any precedent?
I could not say if there is a precedent in the case of a temporary officer.
Might I inquire as to whether these questions and answers are ample justification for the appointment of Deputy Haughey as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Justice, as there does not seem to be any identical parallel between the two appointments? One carries pension rights, considerable expenses and a private motor car.
What about Baltinglass?
Would the Minister give some particulars, as he is dealing with personal assistants, about the person he has now in his office?
I shall, if I am asked, and about all of yours too.
A very unprofitable occupation. If it is being pursued it will be pursued in great detail.
And all relationships investigated, and whether the people concerned were civil servants or not before they were taken in.
Or a kind of guard of honour.
I would not talk too much about aides de camp if I were the Deputy.
It would be a dangerous thing to talk about aides de camp. The Taoiseach is in a very difficult position to have that discussed. Do not raise it now. We can expose a few things.
All relevant matters will be discussed if the Deputy or the Government wishes it and they have not been discussed so far.
There must have been some purpose for bringing in the gentleman concerned.
I would advise the Deputy to drop that topic.
Order. Deputies might pay some attention to the Chair.
The Taoiseach might exercise some control over the boys behind him.