asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will give the following information in respect of each personal assistant, adviser, consultant, secretary, typist or any other category employed from outside the civil service in a temporary, part-time or permanent capacity or contractual capacity by him for the period from 21 March to date: name, rank, remuneration, terms of conditions of employment, and if seconded, and if so, from where.
Written Answers. - Ministerial Assistants.
405.
Following are the particulars requested:
The firm of Des Benson and Associates has been engaged on contract as public relations consultants for the Department of Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of the Gaeltacht at an annual fee of £18,000 plus approved expenses prescribed under normal civil service regulations. The engagement is for the duration of the Minister's period in office as Minister for both Departments.
Arrangements are in train to engage an adviser to assist the Minister of State but until the appointment has actually been made it is considered that it would be inappropriate to disclose the details sought.