Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Ivor Callely

Question:

73 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the total cost of non-civil or public service staff attached to his office in 1995; the anticipated costs in 1996; and if he will give the comparative figures for each of the years 1987 and 1988. [20002/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Total cost of non-civil or public service staff attached to the office of the Minister for Health in 1995 was £127,988.47. The anticipated total cost of these staff in 1996 is £148,366.5. A comparative figure for the year 1987 amounted to £7,478 and for 1988 to £12,220.

The staffing costs outlined above in respect of the years 1995 and 1996 relate to the employment of four non-civil service staff, whereas for the comparative years 1987 and 1988 there was only one non-civil service member of staff attached to the Minister's office.

Incidental costs such as expenses and air fares are included in the figures provided. It should be noted that the cost of support services, for example, accommodation, stationery, office equipment etc. associated with the ministerial office is included within the Department's overall non-pay costs. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a breakdown in this regard.