Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
114. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual salaries of Ministers and Ministers of State who are not elected Deputies; the staff supports such Ministers and Ministers of State have; the offices and expenses such Ministers and Ministers of State have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5513/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under Article 28.11 of the Constitution, the members of the Government in office at the date of a dissolution of Dáil Éireann continue to hold Office and to carry on their duties until their successors have been appointed. Similarly, under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No.2) Act 1977, Ministers of State in office at the date of dissolution continue to hold office until a new Taoiseach is appointed.
On that basis, during that interim period, Ministers and Ministers of State who are not re-elected to Dáil Éireann continue to receive their Officeholder salary – currently €79,510p.a. and €38,787p.a. respectively, and certain supports in the conduct of their duties.
In respect of a Special Adviser, following a dissolution of the Dáil, the term of office of a Special Adviser to a Minister of the Government terminates on the day the incoming Government is appointed, and that of a Special Adviser to a Minister of State on the day the Taoiseach’s successor is appointed.
In respect of other personal appointees (including civilian drivers), following a dissolution of the Dáil, the contracts of the personal appointees of a Minister of the Government terminate on the day the incoming Government is appointed, while the contracts of the personal appointees of a Minister of State cease on the day the incoming Taoiseach is appointed (even if the Officeholder concerned is appointed as an Officeholder of the incoming Government).
The payment of the Parliamentary Standard Allowance (PSA) and other supports such as those provided by the Houses of the Oireachtas Service under the Secretarial Assistance Scheme, cease upon the dissolution of the Dáil.
