Paul McGrath
Ceist:206 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the meaning of the term "office holders" as used on page B16, lines 25 and 26, of the document Budget 2004. [31039/03]
Written Answers. - Budget Statement.
For the purposes of the Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Act 1938, as amended, the term "office holder" refers to a holder of a "qualifying office" as defined in section 13 of that Act. The following positions fall within the category of qualifying office: Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister, Attorney General, Minister of State, Ceann Comhairle, Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad and Leader of the House in Seanad Éireann. However, the term "office holder" would also apply under various Acts to many civil and public service positions. The detailed application of the measures announced in the budget to positions throughout the public service will be a matter for consideration during the implementation stages of those measures