Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 1997

Vol. 480 No. 6

Written Answers - Ministerial Appointments.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

196 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he or Ministers of State at his Department have appointed a programme manager or a special adviser or both; if so, the salary paid to them; the terms of their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15006/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

It is not my intention to appoint a programme manager.

I have recently appointed a special adviser whose contract is being finalised. He is currently on secondment from Bord Bia and the Department is recouping £45,786 to that organisation in respect of his salary. A special adviser has also been appointed at my Department at a salary of £36,757 per annum. It is intended that he will act as a co-ordinator for the Ministers of State. His contract and functions are also being finalised and in the interim he has been assigned to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Keeffe.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

197 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of non-established civil servants employed in his Department and by the Ministers of State at his Department; their status and function; the costs in terms of salary or consultancy fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15022/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

I presume from the Deputy's question that he is referring particularly to my own office and those of the Ministers of State. That information is as follows:

Minister's Office (from 28-6-1997)

Number	Post	Annual Salary
		£
1	Special Adviser	45,786
1	Personal Assistant	14,211
1	Personal Secretary	16,469
Minister of State Davern
1	Personal Assistant	15,949
1	Personal Secretary	12,033
2	Civilian Driver	27,961
Minister of State O'Keeffe
1	Special Adviser	35,757
1	Personal Assistant	18,371
1	Personal Secretary	12,767
2	Civilian Driver	27,961
Consultancy work now carried out inhouse	Nil

Minister's Office (up to 28-6-1997)

Number	Post	Annual Salary
		£
1	Programme Manager	45,525
1	Special Adviser	45,525
1	Personal Assistant	17,907
1	Personal Secretary	11,876
Minister of State Deenihan
1	Special Adviser	32,639
1	Personal Assistant	16,220
1	Personal Secretary	9,200
2	Civilian Driver	27,440
Sheedy McMahon Consultancy work in 1996	32,670

The function of special advisers is to assist the relevant Ministers or Ministers of State on all aspects of the operation of their Departments or Offices.

It is not my intention to appoint a programme manager.

The function of the constituency office staff — personal secretaries and assistants — is to provide necessary services to myself and the Ministers of State, to the general public and our constituencies.

The services of established civil servants assigned to my office and offices of the Ministers of State continue to be utilised.