I propose to take Questions Nos. 671, 676, 677 and 892 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the names and current salaries of my Special Advisors is set out in the tabular statement. There is no Minister of State attached to my Department.
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TITLE
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NAME
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ANNUAL SALARY
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Press Advisor
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Kathleen Barrington
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€ 89,898
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Special Advisor
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Edward Brophy
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€127,796
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The applicable pay scale grade for Special Advisers is the Principal Officer (standard) scale: €80,051 to €92,672.
Kathleen Barrington commenced duty on 18 July 2011, and was initially on a salary of €80,051 i.e. the first point of the Principal Officer pay scale. However, on the basis of her experience and qualifications, I sought sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 19 October 2011 to place her on a salary on par with her previous remuneration and received sanction to place her on the 3rd point of the scale i.e. €86,604 per annum. Ms. Barrington progressed to the next point of the scale i.e. €89,898 with effect from 18 July 2012.
As Edward Brophy was previously employed in the private sector on a salary package that was more than twice the highest point of the Principal Officer (standard) scale, I sought sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for remuneration in excess of the applicable pay scale grade. A single point salary of €127,796 was sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform effective from 29 July 2011. This represents a reduction of over one third in my Special Adviser’s previous salary in the private sector.
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.
The Government decided in March 2011 to confine the use of state cars from 1 May 2011. Accordingly, I now use my own car for official business. The travel /mileage rates payable depend on the car engine size and also incorporate a number of expense elements associated with the cost of running a car. These cost elements include insurance, full membership of AA/RAC, road tax and licence. The engine size of my car is 1400cc and the rate applicable is 46.25 cent per kilometre. The mileage costs, which I have claimed from 01 May 2011 to 30 June 2012 amount to €10,248.29.
I have two civilian drivers. The total cost of employing two drivers from May 2011 to date is €72,422.13. This amount includes travel and subsistence allowances, which are in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations for necessary absences on official duties from home and headquarters.
