Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.

Under the terms of an initiative introduced by the Department of Finance in August 2001, my Department pays the salary of secretarial assistants employed by former taoisigh up to the maximum of the higher executive officer standard scale. The initiative provides that a former Taoiseach may employ two secretarial assistants for a period not exceeding five years from the date when he or she was last Taoiseach. After the five year period has elapsed, only one secretarial assistant may be employed. The initiative also includes provision for purchase of computer equipment necessary for this type of service.

While there are no guidelines in regard to the type of work for which secretarial assistants are employed by former taoisigh, I understand that they carry out a normal range of secretarial duties to support the former taoisigh in carrying out those aspects of work associated with their former roles which remain after their period in office has ceased. However, under the initiative, the secretarial assistant cannot engage in constituency or active party political work.

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