Bernard Allen
Question:165 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of non-Civil Service appointments made to his office; the names of the appointees; and the expenses paid. [22791/99]
Written Answers. - Departmental Appointments.
I have made three non-Civil Service appointments in my office: Mr. Mel Cousins, special adviser; Ms Myra Wall, personal secretary; and Ms Chris Maguire, personal assistant.
The expenses paid to the three staff, which relate to travel and subsistence, amounted to £2,157.14 for the period June 1997 to date.
I did not appoint a programme manager which means a cost saving to the Exchequer in respect of salary of about £46,000 per annum, quite apart from the attendant ancillary costs.
Nor is there a five person policy unit in existence, something which was present prior to my coming into office, at a salary cost saving of about £95,000, quite apart from the attendant ancillary costs.