Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 3

Written Answers. - Ministerial Costs.

Michael Smith

Question:

112 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine the number and cost of staff in his general and private ministerial offices and the general and private ministerial offices of the Minister(s) of State at his Department; the number and cost of contract and part-time staff employed in such offices; the cost of all travel undertaken by him or the Minister(s) of State at his Department since appointment to office outlining the destinations visited, the duration, dates and purpose of the trips; the total expenses incurred by him or the Minister(s) of State at his Department; and the cost and names of consultancy services to his Department and each State body under the aegis of his Department to date in 1995. [15315/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I have four staff employed in my office on contract, who are shared with the Department of Defence. In addition I have a private secretary who is a civil servant. The total cost to the Department of the Marine of these staff is £76,609. One other member of the Department staff is available to carry out work for me when required, in addition to Departmental duties.

The number of staff employed in the office of the Minister of State is six in addition to two civilian drivers. The total cost is £154,030.

With regard to the foreign travel element of the question, the position in relation to the Minister of State and myself is as set out in replies to parliamentary questions answered on 17 and 18 October, 1995.

In the course of our duties both the Minister of State and I are required to travel around the country to attend a variety of meetings and conferences, and visit harbours and other marine installations. No travel costs associated with this part of my work is borne by the Department of the Marine. In relation to the Minister of State the total travel cost borne by the Department is £8,116 to date.

No consultancy services have been engaged by me. If the Deputy requires details of consultancy services engaged to carry out work for the Department of the Marine or for State bodies under the aegis of the Department I would be happy to arrange for such information to be supplied to him directly.