Under the terms of the Guidelines on Ministerial Appointments as published by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform I have appointed two Special Advisers, Patrick Cluskey and Sarah O'Neill at my Department. Mr. Cluskey's duties are to advise me on policy matters while Ms O'Neill is responsible for media and communications.
Prior to his appointment as Special Adviser Mr. Cluskey was my Parliamentary Adviser. Ms O'Neill in turn served as my Parliamentary Adviser when Mr. Cluskey vacated this position to take up his appointment as Special Adviser.
In accordance with the terms of the Ethics in Public Office Acts a copy of their respective contracts of employment containing details of their salary together with a statement of their qualifications have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
I do not intend to make any additional appointments at this level.