John Bruton
Question:6 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the guidelines, if any, surrounding the acceptance of public speaking engagements by his special advisers. [18925/97]
Written Answers. - Public Speaking Engagements.
The general rule regarding the acceptance of public speaking engagements or media appearances by special advisers, related to their official duties or otherwise, is that they will be undertaken with the approval of the Taoiseach or the relevant Minister. In the case of at least one of my own advisers, that is written into his contract. I would normally receive an advance copy of any such speech. The Deputy will be aware that under the same general rule senior permanent public servants can from time to time be asked and be given permission to speak in public by the Taoiseach or a Minister.
In the past, special advisers depending on their background and expertise have on occasion made television programmes, appeared on discussion panels, written books or edited party magazines. Unlike the permanent public service, special advisers are not required to be politically neutral, and can be members of political parties, and under the Deputy's own Administration one adviser played a very prominent public role in relation to his party. Those on the other hand who have a special expertise in particular areas can play a useful role in the work of communicating the background considerations influencing Government thinking.