Ministerial Adviser Appointments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Questions (972)

Seán Fleming

Question:

972. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37570/12]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to Special Advisers and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my Special Advisers are accountable to me under their contracts of employment.