Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the detail of all permanent Civil Service or non-established positions which are in place in his Department in relation to assisting Ministers with constituency work; the monthly salaries for these positions; and if any further appointments are envisaged. [9136/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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At a Government meeting held on the 15th March, 2011, it was decided to reduce the number of staff permitted at Minister's constituency offices from 6 to 4 and Minister of State's constituency offices from 5 to 3.

There are currently 2 officers in my Constituency Office. Their grades are as follows: - 1 Higher Executive Officer (civil servant) on a salary scale of €43,816 - €45,125 - €46,246 - €47,730 - €49,035 - €50,347 - €51,653 - €53,532 - €55,415 - 1 Staff Officer (civil servant) on a salary scale of €33,070 - €34,481 - €35,751 - €36,894 - €38,043 - €39,199 - €40,359 - €41,473 - €42,530 - €43,906

I propose to appoint a Personal Assistant and a Personal Secretary shortly.

There are currently 2 officers in the Constituency Office of the Minister of State at my Department. Their grades are as follows: - 1 (0.8 fulltime equivalent) Staff Officer (civil servant) on a salary scale of €33,070 - €34,481 - €35,751 - €36,894 - €38,043 - €39,199 - €40,359 - €41,473 - €42,530 - €43,906 - 1 Personal Assistant (non civil servant) on a salary scale of €43,715 - €45,485 - €47,304 - €48,520 - €49,790 - €51,365 - €52,925 - €54,490 - €56,060

It is envisaged that the Minister of State at my Department will appoint a Personal Secretary shortly.

The salaries paid to the civil servants are in accordance with the Department of Finance salary scales for the relevant grades. The salaries paid to the non-civil servant staff are in accordance with the Department of Finance Instructions relating to the Appointment of Ministerial Private Office Staff.

I can confirm that the further appointments will be in accordance with the aforementioned Government Decision.