Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Ivor Callely

Question:

126 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the current number of personnel working in the office of his Minister 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 in his ministerial office and the office of his Minister of State; the advertisements, if any, made regarding these appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3288/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

There are 13 staff assigned to the private and constituency offices of the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Durkan. These include one private secretary, two staff officers, three clerical officers and three clerical assistant-typists. These posts are filled on a full-time basis by established civil servants. Also included are four unestablished staff employed on a contract basis: one personal secretary, one personal assistant and two civilian drivers.

The Minister of State's personal assistant was appointed in accordance with established practice for such appointments. His personal secretary was formerly his Dáil secretary. The two civilian driver posts were advertised in the national newspapers and the positions were filled following interview. The basic requirements for the position of civilian driver were the possession of a clean driving licence and the completion of an advance driving course.

The unestablished staff employed in my ministerial office were appointed in accordance with established practice for such appointments. My personal assistant was formerly my Dáil secretary. In relation to the appointment of staff to the research unit attached to my office, I refer the Deputy to my replies to Dáil Questions Nos. 19 and 21 on 23 January 1996, Nos. 200-201, 213-214 and 217-222 on 6 February 1996 and No. 183 on 13 February 1996.

Ivor Callely

Question:

127 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade 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. [3289/96]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. Kenny)

There is a total of 11 personnel working in my office and eight in that of the Minister of State.

In my office, four are employed on a non-established contract basis, two of whom are on secondment from the Oireachtas. In the Minister of State's office, five are employed on a non-established contract basis, one of whom is on secondment from the Oireachtas. These positions were filled by direct appointment and were not advertised.