Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2015
79. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the annual saving to the Exchequer if the Minister's special adviser's salary was capped at the first point of the principal officer grade, that is, €75,647; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26963/15]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that I have two Special Advisors in my Department.
If the salaries of my two Special Advisors were capped at the first point of the Principal Officer grade, the total gross salary payable would reduce from €168,934 to €151,294. The annual saving to the Exchequer would be impacted further by a reduction in statutory deductions. Special Advisors progress through the salary steps on the relevant payscale subject to satisfactory performance. The salaries of my Special Advisor's are in line with guidelines issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the appointment of Ministerial staff.
