Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Ivor Callely

Question:

145 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine the current number of personnel working in his ministerial offices and the office of his Minister(s) of State; the number of personnel that have been seconded or employed on a non-established contract basis; the competition process for filling such positions; the advertisements, if any, made regarding these appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3294/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

The information requested by Deputy Callely is detailed below.

Minister's Staff

There are five staff engaged in the Minister's office. Apart from my private secretary, who is a civil servant, the following are employed on a non-established contract basis: one programme manager, one special adviser, one personal secretary and one personal assistant. The personal assistant referred to was formally my Dáil secretarial assistant.

The salary costs of these contract staff are shared jointly by the Marine and Defence Votes reflecting my dual ministerial roles.

Minister of State's Staff

There are eight staff engaged in the Minister of State's office. Apart from the Minister of State's private secretary and two clerical assistant typists, who are civil servants, the following are employed on a non-established contract basis: one special adviser, one personal secretary, one personal assistant, two civilian drivers.

The contract staff in my office were employed on my recommendation. Similarly, with the exception of the Minister of State's civilian drivers, who were recruited from a short list by competition under the aegis of my Department, the contract staff engaged by the Minister of State were appointed on his recommendation. The Minister of State's personal secretary is on secondment from An Post.