Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2018
263. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the names of advisers he has appointed to his office since becoming Minister; the responsibilities of each; the previous employment of each; the salaries of each; and if he plans to make further appointments. [4863/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecial Advisors are appointed by Government under the terms and conditions set out in the 'Instructions to Personnel Officers - Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil' which includes the Guidelines for Staffing of Ministerial Offices. I appointed two advisors to my Department, Ms Suzie Coogan and Mr Ross Elwood on my appointment as Minister.
Ms Coogan was appointed as press and media advisor and was previously employed as a journalist, government advisor and communications director for an international NGO. Ms Coogan's annual salary is currently at the rate of €95,441.
Mr Elwood is employed as special advisor with responsibility for policy and was previously employed in the Oireachtas and the European Parliament. His current salary is at the rate of €88,471 per annum.
No advisors have been appointed by Minister of State Kyne to my Department.
