Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
608 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff appointed by her, from outside the Civil Service, since the general election 2002; the job descriptions for these staff; the salaries and expenses paid to these staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8339/04]
View answerSince I took up office in June 2002 I retained the services of one special adviser, Mr. Mel Cousins, until he resigned on 30 April 2003. He was appointment by my predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern. He was employed on a contract basis for the period 6 June 2002 to 30 April 2003. The salary for the position in 2003 was the maximum point of the higher principal scale at €83,465. A total of €3,029.01 was paid in respect of his travel and subsistence expenses.
I appointed Mr. Tom Reddy as press advisor on a contract basis for my term of office since 31 July 2002. The current salary for his position is the maximum point of the standard principal scale at €80,457. During 2003 the total salary cost including salary, pension contribution and employers PRSI for the position amounted to €93,661.27. From his appointment to date a total of €10,097.06 has been paid for his travel and subsistence expenses.
There are three non-established civil servants in my constituency office, a personal assistant, a personal secretary and a clerical officer. They were appointed on 6 June 2002 on a contract basis for my term of office. The clerical officer resigned on 3 October 2002 and a replacement was appointed on 21 October 2002 for my term of office.
During 2003 the total salary cost, including employers PRSI for my personal assistant, was €42,001.90. The total salary cost for 2003, including employers' PRSI for my personal secretary, was €29,388.63. A total of €19,712.43 was the salary cost for the clerical officer position in 2003. From 6 June 2002 to date €30,299.90 has been paid in respect of overtime in my constituency office. Expenditure on travel and subsistence from 6 June 2002 to date amounts to €1,286.43.
