Ministerial Appointments.

Tuesday, 23 March 2004

Questions (426)

Olwyn Enright

Question:

425 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff appointed by him, from outside the Civil Service, since the general election in 2002; the job descriptions for these staff; the salaries and expenses paid to these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8335/04]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Details of staff (including salary costs and expenses paid) appointed by me from outside the Civil Service, since the general election in 2002, are set out in the following tables. The role of the staff concerned is set out hereunder.

The role of my special adviser is to keep me informed on a wide range of issues including business, policy, political and administrative, along with monitoring the objectives of the Department and liaison with interested parties in all relevant areas.

The role of my press officer is to deal with all media queries, research and prepare press releases and media information, monitor all areas of transport in the media and liaise with all sections in the Department on the dissemination of information that will be of benefit to the general public.

The role of the personal assistants is to assist in providing support and advice for the administrative responsibilities of the Minister of State and me.

The role of the personal secretaries is to act as Oireachtas secretary dealing with constituency matters and the role of the civilian driver is to drive for the Minister of State.

Table of appointments made by Deputy Brennan, Minister for Transport, for his office.

Grade/ Job Title	Total Salary Cost per Annum	Total cost of Expenses(from June 2002 to date)
	€	€
1 x Personal Assistant	33,685	Nil
1 x Personal Secretary	36,160	Nil
1 x Press Officer	86,314	Nil
1 x Special Advisor	80,457	18,870.93

Table of appointments made by Deputy Brennan, Minister for Transport, for the office of Deputy McDaid, Minister of State at the Department of Transport.

Grade/Job Title	Total Salary Cost per Annum	Total cost of Expenses(from June 2002 to date)
	€	€
1 x Personal Assistant	39,781	2,275.94
1 x Personal Secretary (Temporary, to Cover maternity Leave)	469.20 per week	Nil
1 x Personal Secretary	24,483	Nil
2 x Civilian Drivers	26,468 each	11,252.72