Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 56: To ask the Minister for Finance the arrangements he has put in place for constituency offices within his Department. [5233/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Both the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I, and our colleague the Minister of State in the Department, are in the process of making arrangements for the staffing of our respective constituency offices. As the Deputy may be aware, the Government recently decided to limit the number of staff in a Minister's constituency office to 4, and the number of staff in a Minister of State's constituency office to 3.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 58: To ask the Minister for Finance the economic and other expertise that will be available to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when taking decisions about public expenditure; if he intends to recruit advisers in this area and if so, the number of same; the qualification level of same; the timescale and procedure for recruitment; and the cost per adviser. [5242/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The economic, analytical and other expertise currently within my Department is also available to my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. In consultation with Minister Howlin, I will keep under review whether specialist expertise and advice may be required in order to supplement current resources. Under Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997 each Minister may appoint a maximum of 2 Special Advisers. The appointment of Advisers is currently under consideration. Special Advisers are appointed by the Government at the request of a Minister. When appointments have been made, I will be in a position to provide details of the appointees' qualifications and remuneration.