Vol. 416 No. 6
11 Mr. Spring asked the Taoiseach if he will outline, in respect of each of the advisers appointed to his Department, (a) the salary, (b) conditions of employment, (c) the pension entitlements and arrangements, (d) travelling expenses and (e) the specific duties to be performed by these persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Four advisers have been appointed to my Department. The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the schedule which I propose to circulate.
Schedule
(1) Special Adviser to the Taoiseach on Northern Ireland and other matters
(a) Salary: The current salary is £43,246 per annum.
(b) Conditions of employment: The appointment is a temporary, unestablished position. The position is wholetime. It will terminate not later than the date on which the present Government ceases to hold office.
(c) Pension: The position is pensionable in accordance with the terms of the non-contributory pension scheme for non-established State employees. Spouses' and children's pensions may also be granted under the contributory scheme.
(d) Travelling Expenses: The normal rules governing travel and subsistence expenses apply.
(e) Duties: The appointee is required to perform any duties as considered by the Taoiseach to be appropriate to the position. He advises on Northern Ireland and other economic and social matters.
(2) The Arts Adviser
(a) Salary: The Arts Officer is employed on a daily fee basis at a rate of £134 per day, for a maximum of 13 days per month.
(b) Conditions of Employment: The appointment is strictly temporary. The Taoiseach will decide the date on which it will cease but in any event the appointment will not exceed the duration of the present Government.
(c) Pension: No pension, gratuity or other superannuation benefit is payable in respect of service under this engagement.
(d) Travelling Expenses: The normal rules governing travel and subsistence expenses apply.
(e) Duties: The appointee is required to perform any duties as directed by the Taoiseach as appropriate to the position. In effect, the Arts Officer advises on matters relating to arts and culture and assists in the preparation of speeches and publications.
(3) Adviser on the Environment
The only variation from the arrangements outlined for the Arts Officer, above, is that the appointee to this position is required to advise on environmental matters.
(4) Special Communications Adviser
(a) Salary: The current salary is a fixed inclusive rate of £32,000 per annum.
(b) Conditions of Employment: The appointment is a temporary, unestablished position. It will last for the duration of the present Government. The appointee is expected to attend for 3 days each week subject to a maximum of 156 days per annum.
(c) Pensions: The position is non-pensionable.
(d) Travelling Expenses: Appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances are paid.
(e) Duties: The appointee is required to perform any duties as may be assigned that are considered appropriate to the position. In effect, the SCA mainly advises on media-related matters.
