In March, the Government, on my request appointed Dr Alan Ahearne as one of my Special Advisers. The manner in which such appointments are required to be made is specified under the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 and does not involve public competition. That Act also requires me to lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas, within 60 days of the appointment, certain documents including Dr Ahearne's contract of employment. Arrangements to do so are in train.
The other person mentioned by the Deputy is not employed in my Department.