Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2011
297 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39394/11]
View answerThe role of Special Advisers in giving assistance with political implications is expressly recognised in the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. To ensure public confidence in the political impartiality of the Civil Service, paragraph 5.1 of the Code of Standards restricts civil servants above a certain grade from engaging in political activity; but, under paragraph 5.4, the restrictions do not apply to Special Advisers who hold ‘temporary unestablished positions' and ‘whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister'. Declaration of membership of, or links to, a political party is not required of a Special Adviser. Neither of my advisers has held elective office.
298 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39411/11]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Number 218 of 22 September 2011, which set out details on Special Advisers appointed in my Department. The position has not changed.
In my capacity as Minster for Justice and Equality I have appointed Ms Jane Lehane and Mr Thomas Cooney as my Special Advisers. They are both paid at the Principal Officer Standard Scale (€80,051 — €98,424).
