Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.

As outlined in the programme for Government, several reforms will be implemented to ensure openness and constructive co-operation within the Government. The details of the roles and staffing of these offices have not been finalised to date. Appointments to these offices will be made in line with the Public Service Management Act 1997 and will be published in due course. These include the establishment of an office of the Tánaiste and an office of the leader of the Green Party within the Department of the Taoiseach to be located in Government Buildings. The office of the Tánaiste will consist of a private office and a policy and programme implementation unit. The purpose of these offices is to support both the Tánaiste and the leader of the Green Party in the co-ordination and implementation of policy within the Government. In particular, the policy and programme implementation unit will assist the Tánaiste in work relating to the Cabinet, Cabinet committees and oversight of the implementation of the programme for Government.

Under the terms of the Public Service Management Act 1997, Ministers and Ministers of State who regularly attend Cabinet meetings may appoint special advisers. The Act also provides that other Ministers of State may also appoint a special adviser. The requirement for specialist policy input and advice is a matter for each Minister to consider having regard to the area of responsibility and the support in place in the relevant Departments.

Having appointed Ministers and Ministers of State to their various portfolios across the Government, I am also considering the advisory supports I might need in my role as Taoiseach and Head of Government. While I have not yet fully finalised the make-up of my team, it currently consists of a chief of staff at deputy secretary level, a deputy chief of staff at assistant secretary level and three special advisers at principal officer level. It is also my intention to appoint an adviser shortly with relevant expertise on economic policy. While not finalised, I anticipate that, in addition to Civil Service support, the office of the Tánaiste will consist of approximately five or six special advisers and the office of the leader of the Green Party will consist of approximately four or five special advisers. In line with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997 there will be two special advisers assigned to the Office of the Government Chief Whip. It should be noted that all of the above appointments are subject to Government approval and relevant contracts. Statements of qualifications and statements of relationship will be laid before the Oireachtas in due course.

See this speech in context