John Bruton
Ceist:5 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the bodies, if any, to which he made political appointments in 1999; the remuneration for the individuals involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1718/00]
Ceisteanna – Questions. - Political Appointments.
I appointed Deputy Michael O'Kennedy as my personal representative on the new EU body established to develop a charter of fundamental rights for the Union. Other members of the body will include representatives of the other member states, the EU Commission, two members from each national Parliament and 16 Members of the European Parliament. I also nominated Mr. Mahon Hayes, former deputy secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs to act as Deputy O'Kennedy's alternate on the body. Deputy O'Kennedy and Mr. Hayes will be reimbursed for travel and subsistence expenses related to the meetings of the body. In addition, Mr. Hayes will be paid a per diem related to his work with the body.
The Taoiseach's answer is sufficient. Deputy O'Kennedy is being paid less than the other person.
He could make far more elsewhere but he undertook the post as he is an expert in this area.