Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 2

Written Answers. - National Millennium Committee.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

35 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the number of appointments to remunerated posts he has made to the Millennium Steering Committee and other bodies under the auspices of his Department; if these posts were advertised prior to appointments being made; if an approach was made to a person (details supplied) to handle public relations, if so, the terms of the offer made to that person; the terms at which the appoint ment was finally made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3400/99]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. S. Brennan)

The National Millennium Committee, which I chair, is supported by a small millennium office located in the Department of the Taoiseach. This office was set up in the latter half of 1998 and currently consists of the secretary to the committee, who is a full-time assistant principal in the Department of the Taoiseach; a projects development officer and a millennium press officer.

The position of the projects development officer was advertised within the civil service at executive officer level. Seven candidates were shortlisted and interviewed. The successful candidate is on the salary scale level of £17,172. In addition, this officer receives an allowance of £3,000 per year which pertains to the position of projects development officer and will exist for the duration of the millennium commemoration period. The officer's salary and allowance are paid from the millennium subhead in the Vote of the Department of the Taoiseach.

Mr. Tom Rowley was appointed as the millennium press officer with the support of the National Millennium Committee. Mr. Rowley's position is on a contract basis for a period of two years commencing 15 January 1999. His annual salary is £50,000. An additional performance bonus not exceeding £5,000 per annum is also payable. The amount will be decided by the committee on 1 December 1999 and paid retrospectively. Vouched pension expenses not exceeding £5,000 per annum are also payable. Mr. Rowley's salary and expenses are also paid from the Millennium subhead.

Before the position of millennium press officer was filled, I discussed the matter with about a half a dozen different journalists, including the person whose name was supplied by the Deputy and also public relations people whom I felt might be available for such a short-term assignment or indeed might know of a colleague whom they could recommend. I was satisfied that this was the best approach to take in the circumstances especially in the short timescale involved.

As regards the offer made to the individual named by the Deputy, we discussed a range of possible salaries. However, matters did not develop to the stage where a formal offer was made.