Written Answers. - Departmental Advisers.
Brendan Kenneally
Question:
53
Mr. Kenneally
asked the
Minister for Equality and Law Reform
the cost to the Exchequer of advisers in his Department, including special advisers; the advice they can give which is not available from the paid officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[11561/95]
The cost to the Exchequer of the four advisers that have been appointed to my Department is as follows:
|
Per annum
|
|
£
|
|
Programme Manager
|
40,664
|
|
Special Adviser to the Minister
|
35,255
|
|
Special Adviser to the Minister on Equality Issues
|
34,850
|
|
Special Legal Adviser to the Department
|
25,070
|
The programme manager assists me in managing and co-ordinating the achievement of the Government's objectives as set out in the policy document,A Government of Renewal. She provides administrative back-up to assist me in the achievement of these objectives and meets regularly with programme managers in other Departments to review progress.
The special adviser advises me on specialised legal research on the law reform and equality legislation programme of the Department and in connection with the progression of legislative work within the Department, and generally. He also maintains contact with advisers in other Ministers' offices with a view to maintaining a co-ordinated approach to Government policy, as well as liaising, on an ongoing basis, between me and the officials of my Department.
The special adviser on equality issues advises me on womens' affairs, equality issues, Structural Funds, and the progressive development of child care services, in the context of the lead-up to the Irish Presidency of the EU in 1996.
The advice which these advisers provide differs from that provided by paid officials in that it covers a wider perspective on the political elements of decision making.
The special legal adviser, who transferred to the Department from the Department of Justice, advises on the preparation and processing of legislation in the civil law and related areas.
