Vol. 427 No. 6
72 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who are members of Fianna Fáil or the Labour Party appointed by him and the Minister(s) of State at his Department since assuming office; and the position held by each of these people in the relevant political party.
I assume that the Deputy is concerned with temporary appoinments, that is to say, those that are not covered by the usual Civil Service regulations and conditions.
In this regard, no such appointments have been made since I assumed office on 12 January 1993. I have, however, reappointed the only non civil servants on my staff, i.e. the Press Officer, Mr. Paddy Duffy and my Personal Assistant, Ms. Sandra Cullagh.
In the case of Minister of State, Deputy Eithne Fitzgerald, there have been two appointments of non civil servants, Brigid Clarke, Personal Secretary and Patricia Hickey, Personal Assistant.
The political affiliations of these staff are regarded as being an entirely personal matter.
