Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 927: To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline all staff appointments he has made since last March; the name of those appointed; their position; their salary; if any of these appointees are former retired public servants and in receipt of a pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26957/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since taking up office I have appointed two advisers, Mr Mark Costigan as Press Adviser and Mr Sean Faughnan as Special Adviser, both on the Principal Officer (Standard) salary level.

Mr Faughnan has indicated to me his intention to reduce his work commitment from full time to one-third time. It is my intention to appoint Ms Maureen Windle, ex-Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Area Health Board on a two-thirds time basis, and one salary will accordingly be divided between the two individuals pro-rata in line with the time worked. Pending her formal appointment, Ms Windle has been based in the Department's offices in Hawkins House since the 21st February. Ms Windle is in receipt of a Public Service pension from her previous employment. Upon taking up appointment as my Adviser, she will be subject to standard public service pension abatement rules.

Additionally, I have appointed a Personal Assistant, the payscale for which starts at €43,715 rising to €56,060, and two Civilian Drivers each on an annual salary of €32,965.

My Constituency Office is being managed by a Personal Secretary who was appointed in February this year, at a salary ranging from €23,820 to €47,755.

None of the aforementioned appointees, with the exception of Ms Windle, are retired former Public Servants in receipt of a pension.

I established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) in my Department in mid-2011. A number of personnel have been seconded to this unit from the HSE. Additional expertise is being provided on a contract for services basis.