Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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675. To ask the Minister for Health the number of politically appointed staff working in his Department, including the names, roles and salaries of each staff member; in the case of special advisers, their qualifications and experience relevant to their roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22734/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There have been two special advisers appointed to me as Minister for Health (Joanne Lonergan and Majella Fitzpatrick) and one appointed to Minister of State Finian McGrath (Damian O'Farrell). The salaries applicable to all three advisers is the standard scale for the grade of Principal Officer in the Civil Service (€79,401 - €91,624) in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform instructions to Personnel Officers on Ministerial Appointments for the 32nd Dáil. The special advisers are suitably qualified for their roles.

There were also two drivers appointed to me as Minister for Health and two drivers to each of the Ministers of State McGrath, McEntee and Byrne whilst Minister of State Corcoran Kennedy has only appointed one so far. The rate of pay for the drivers is either €631.75 or €665 per week depending on the pension scheme applicable.