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Ministerial Adviser Appointments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Ceisteanna (1181)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1181. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the political activities of each special adviser, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so the parties to which they belonged; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37578/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I refer the Deputy to PQ No. 297 of 13 December, 2011 and my written reply to that question.

The role of Special Advisers in giving assistance with political implications is expressly recognised in the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. To ensure public confidence in the political impartiality of the Civil Service, paragraph 5.1 of the Code of Standards restricts civil servants above a certain grade from engaging in political activity; but, under paragraph 5.4, the restrictions do not apply to Special Advisers who hold ‘temporary unestablished positions’ and ‘whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister’. Declaration of membership of, or links to, a political party is not required of a Special Adviser. Neither of my advisers has held elective office.

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