Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Minister's clarification. However, his tone appears to indicate a belief on his part that I am somehow trying to ascertain the costs relating to the operation of his office. That is not the case. I am trying to understand the relationship between external staff and civil servants. The Minister stated that one individual advises the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, on departmental matters. The Minister also outlined the position regarding his advisers - which seems to be quite straightforward - and those of the other Minister of State, Deputy Kelly. The job descriptions to which he referred all seem normal. I just wonder why someone from outside the Civil Service is advising the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, on departmental matters. Would that not be a function of members of the permanent staff? The Minister indicated that the individual in question is not paid in respect of the work he carries out. If he is not in a position to do so now, will the Minister at some stage provide information regarding the actual role this individual plays? Is he involved in any way in advising the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, on the allocation of funding under the sports capital programme?

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