I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 62 together.
Details of the Advisers appointed in my Department since July 2017 are set out in the table below:
Special Advisers to the Taoiseach (appointed since July 2017)
|
Name
|
Salary Level
|
John Carroll
|
Assistant Secretary
|
Clare Mungovan
|
Principal Officer
|
Jim D'Arcy
|
Assistant Principal Officer (Higher)
|
|
Special Advisers to the Government Chief Whip (appointed since July 2017)
|
Ed Carty
|
Principal Officer
|
The Special Advisers working in my office provide briefings and advice on a wide range of policy matters, as well as performing 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 Government Press Secretary acts as a spokesperson for me, as Taoiseach, and the Government and is supported by the Assistant Government Press Secretary in coordinating the media relations of all Government Departments. The Government Press Secretary is paid at Assistant Secretary level while the Assistant Government Press Secretary is paid at Principal Officer level.
The Deputy Government Press Secretary - who is also based in my Department and is paid at Principal Officer level - coordinates communications for all the Independents in Government.