I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 to 221, inclusive, together.
The following table sets out the name, title and salary details of the four special advisors in my Department. The salaries are linked to the Principal Officer standard scale and will be reduced as a result of the reduction in public service pay rates as announced in last week's budget.
Minister Micheál Martin, T. D.
Name
|
Title
|
Gross Remuneration
|
|
|
€
|
Ms. Deirdre Gillane
|
Special Advisor
|
106,582
|
Mr. Christy Mannion
|
Special Advisor
|
100,191 plus a 10% attraction allowance
|
Minister of State Dick Roche, T.D.
|
|
€
|
Mr. David Grant
|
Special Advisor
|
100,191
|
Minister of State Peter Power, T.D.
|
|
€
|
Mr. Jerry O’Connor
|
Special Advisor
|
97,109
|
The terms of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees and of the Contributory Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme apply to Ms. Deirdre Gillane.
The terms of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Established State Employees and of the Contributory Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme apply to Mr. Christy Mannion.
Ms. Gillane and Mr. Mannion also pay the Public Service Pension Related Deduction introduced in March 2009. From 1/3/09 to 31/12/09 Ms Gillane will make contributions of €7,177.13 and Mr. Mannion will make contributions of €7,486.27.
Mr. David Grant and Mr. Jerry O'Connor opted for payments of 11% of salary in respect of superannuation contributions to be made to an approved pension provider.
The roles and functions carried out by the Special Advisors are as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 i.e. to assist the Minister by providing advice, by monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department and by performing such other functions as may be directed by the Minister. I am satisfied that the Special Advisors contribute to the effectiveness of the system in a manner and to an extent that fully justifies the associated costs.