I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
There are five Special Advisers employed by my Department, four of whom are my Special Advisers and one of whom is Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip.
The details requested in relation to the names and salaries of the Special Advisers employed by my Department are set out in the table. None of the salaries have changed since the Special Advisers were appointed.
Name and Grade
|
Reports To
|
€
|
Mark Kennelly, Chief of Staff
|
Taoiseach
|
€168,000
|
Andrew McDowell, Special Adviser
|
Taoiseach
|
€168,000
|
Paul O’Brien, Special Adviser
|
Taoiseach
|
€80,051
|
Angela Flanagan, Special Adviser
|
Taoiseach
|
€80,051
|
Mark O’Doherty, Special Adviser
|
Government Chief Whip
|
€80,051
|
For the Deputy's information, my Department provides office accommodation to three Special Advisers assigned to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and one Special Adviser assigned to the Minister of State for European Affairs.
Under the supervision of my Chief of Staff, the Special Advisers working in my Department provide briefings and advice on a wide range of policy matters, as well as performing such other functions as I may direct from time to time. They also liaise with other Special Advisers in each Government Department so that I remain informed on developments across Government.
The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to Special Advisers and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my Special Advisers are accountable to me under their contracts of employment.