Ministerial Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2010

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

Ceisteanna (264)

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

296 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of special advisers his Department has had since June 2007; the names of same; the amount each has claimed in expenses in each of the past three years; the amount that has been spent on travel, including foreign travel, and entertainment for each adviser in each of the past three years; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26598/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

There have been three Special Advisors employed in my Department over the period since June 2007. Ms Cathy Herbert was appointed Special Advisor by my predecessor on 14 June 2007 and held the position up to 6 May 2008. I appointed Mr Ciarán Ó Cuinn (Programme Manager) and Mr Richard Moore (Press Advisor) on 7 May 2008. Special Advisors are entitled to claim travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with relevant Department of Finance Circulars, the details of which are considered personal to the individuals concerned. They are not entitled to individual entertainment allowances.