Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
46. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of advisers and special advisers appointed by him since assuming office; the starting annual salary of each person appointed by him; if an open interview process was conducted for each appointee; the duration and terms of each contract issued to each adviser and special adviser; and if an advisory role has been split to facilitate job sharing in tabular form. [16570/20]
View answerHaving appointed Ministers and Ministers of State to their various portfolios across Government, I am also considering the advisory supports that I might need in my role as Taoiseach and Head of Government. The Public Service Management Act 1997, provides for the appointment of Special Advisers subject to specified limits. While I have not as yet fully finalised the make-up of my team, it currently consists of a Chief of Staff at Deputy Secretary level, a Deputy Chief of Staff at Assistant Secretary level and 3 Special Advisers at Principal Officer level all of whom work full-time. I have also recently recruited an economic adviser on a part-time basis.
It should be noted that all of the above appointments are subject to Government approval and relevant contracts will be laid before the Oireachtas in due course. All appointments will be made in line with the Public Service Management Act, 1997.
