asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if a person (name supplied) was recently given a permanent appointment as assistant principal officer in his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Posts and Telegraphs Appointment.
5.
I should like to ask the Minister if the person mentioned in the question is employed in his Department and, if so, the nature and terms of his employment?
The person in question is employed by my Department on a fee basis. This has been approved by the Minister for the Public Service who has also approved that the person in question during his employment with this Department should be paid remuneration equivalent to the salary which he would have received from RTE from which he was on leave of absence if he was still employed there plus an amount, 8 per cent of salary, the equivalent of what the employer's contribution to the RTE superannuation fund would have been in his case. If he were still employed in RTE, his present salary would be £5,152 per annum. He is paid monthly in my Department and his monthly fee is £463.67 which is the equivalent of £5,152 per annum, plus 8 per cent.
Would the Minister inform the House the skills and abilities this person has for the post he occupies?
That is a separate question and I do not think it arises here. If the Deputy wishes to put down a question about that, and if it is allowed by the Ceann Comhairle, I will answer it.
Was this person appointed by the Civil Service Commission or was it an appointment in the public interest?
He was granted leave of absence by RTE to serve as special assistant to the Minister. He began work in the Department on 19th April, 1973. He is employed by the Department on a fee basis and I do not think public interest arises.
I assume the Minister would like to avoid any charge of nepotism and I should like to give him the opportunity to explain the reasons why this person was given this post.
I was asked a question if a person was recently given a permanent appointment as assistant principal officer in my Department and my answer was no. I consider I have already answered sufficient supplementaries.
I am calling the next question. The Deputy is bringing in extraneous matter.
I should like to ask the Minister if this person is his son-in-law?
Yes.
Jobs for the boys.