Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
90 Ms Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. [8326/04]
View answerSince the formation of the current Government in June 2002, I have appointed seven staff from outside the Civil Service, six of whom are currently serving. A special adviser appointed on 6 June 2002 died in October 2003.
The breakdown of staff currently serving is as follows: three special advisers, one of whom is assigned to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform; two personal assistants; and one personal secretary. It should be noted that my programme manager was actually appointed by the Taoiseach. The role relates to the implementation of the programme for Government, which involves liaising with departmental officials and programme managers in other Departments.
The special advisers are involved in the provision of advice and assistance to myself and the two Ministers of State. The personal secretary and personal assistants are involved in the performance of general secretarial duties including duties relating to the handling of inquiries made to the offices. The total salaries and expenses for the seven staff employed from 6 June 2002 to date amounts to €750,297.09 and €17,202.68 respectively.
