Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
141. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide the names and contact information of all special advisers to Ministers and Ministers of State within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33578/23]
View answerSince I was appointed as Minister for Defence, no advisers have taken up employment in this Department.
The below named are special advisers who have been appointed as advisers to me as Minister for Defence and also as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. All are employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
• Ms Gráinne Weld, Special Adviser to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence;
• Ms Sharon McGowan, Special Adviser to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence.
Ms Laura Mannion has been appointed as Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Defence and Minister of State for EU Affairs and is also employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
All are contactable via the Department’s main telephone number 045 492000 or via info@defence.ie.
