Trevor Sargent
Ceist:8 Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach the cost of political advisers in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37096/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 December 2006
Ceisteanna (8, 9)
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:9 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach the cost in terms of salaries and expenses of political advisers or other political staff within his Department in respect of each year from 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38685/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí ó Béal (31 píosaí cainte)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
The information sought by the Deputies is contained in a schedule which I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Travel and subsistence payments are made at the appropriate civil service rates in respect of certified official travel and subject to the usual Civil Service regulations.
|
Year |
Cost |
|
€ |
|
|
2003 |
1,340,576.60 |
|
2004 |
1,525,306.60 |
|
2005 |
1,529,292.56 |
|
2006 (to date) |
1,625,142.67 |
I did not expect to hear about travel arrangements. Regarding the cost of political advisers, does the Taoiseach feel he is getting value for money? Should the type of adviser and the advice sought and given be examined? We have raised this issue previously, especially in regard to the responsibilities of Ministers of State, and Sustainable Energy Ireland raised related matters today. Regarding global heating, or climate change — there are many different terms now for the phenomenon — does the Government have an equivalent to the British Government's chief scientific adviser, Professor Sir David King? If so, will the Government act on the advice it will probably receive, given that we have re-coupled CO2 emissions with growing energy use and expect transport related energy to increase by over 8% every year for the foreseeable future? Is the Taoiseach receiving advice on climate change and is this advice coming from advisers or elsewhere?
A science group gives Departments and agencies advice in that field. We regularly ask members of agencies to present a briefing to Cabinet committees and meetings. This is a day-to-day feature of Cabinet committees in particular. The science group addresses senior staff in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment regularly.
I asked if there was an equivalent to the British Government's chief scientific adviser, Professor Sir David King, in the Irish context, and did not receive an answer. The Taoiseach said a group gives advice, but on the issue of carbon credit who advised that €270 million be given away to pay a fine?
This question refers specifically to the Taoiseach's Department.
I am trying to find out if an adviser exists. Apparently one does not, but a group fills this role. Will there be an adviser at that level? The Taoiseach will remember we had problems previously with a science adviser who did not have the proper qualifications.
I remind the Deputy we are referring specifically to the Taoiseach's Department.
It is fundamentally the Taoiseach's responsibility.
Yes, but not every Department comes under these questions.
On the Deputy's specific question of whether we have advisers similar to those referred to in No. 10 or No. 11, where there are contract advisers for practically every area, we do not operate such a system.
I asked about one person.
They have one person for everything, irrespective of the issue.
I would not say that about Professor David King.
They also have a science adviser.
I thought the Government has a science adviser.
Allow the Taoiseach to answer.
A science adviser works in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and we are working with that individual. A small group, the science committee, holds meetings which we attend to discuss issues including environmental issues. However, its members do not work in my Department but come from relevant Departments or, in many cases, relevant agencies. The Deputy is correct with regard to what happens in No. 10 but it would cost us a fortune to duplicate that in a country of 4.3 million people.
My question was whether the Taoiseach listens to advice.
I always listen.
Does the Tánaiste have a programme manager and is that manager located in the Taoiseach's office, as was the practice under the previous Tánaiste? Has the Taoiseach's former press officer been replaced or, if not, is it intended to replace him? I am aware he is trying to do for the HSE the job he did so well for the Taoiseach.
With regard to the most recent indication by the Taoiseach that 13 staff are employed in his private office and eight in his constituency office, are those figures still correct and, if so, are they not somewhat extravagant? My colleague, Deputy Costello, has one parliamentary assistant, whereas the Taoiseach has an entire infrastructure.
Deputy Rabbitte's last question comes under Questions Nos. 10 and 11.
As usual, the Ceann Comhairle is ahead of me.
The Ceann Comhairle is very sharp.
The Taoiseach might therefore address my other questions.
The Tánaiste has a programme manager who is based in my Department.
Is it a State secret?
No, his name is Mr. John O'Brien. He worked for the previous Tánaiste in a different capacity. My former Government press secretary is currently undertaking a different task and I do not intend to replace him. I share the work with the others.
The Minister for Defence will give the Taoiseach a dig out if he needs it.
Why not?
In terms of numbers, we have a small staff of advisers, contract advisers and press officers compared to what previously obtained. This is probably the biggest area of cutbacks in the public service in recent years.
The Taoiseach should not be too hard on himself.