Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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305. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of advisers and special advisers employed by his Department in 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; the annual salaries associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6575/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that I have two Special Advisers both of whom are remunerated on the Principal Officer standard pay scale (PPC).

Ms. Sarah Kavanagh was appointed as Special Adviser in June 2017. She holds a BA degree in History and Politics, an MA degree in Politics, an MA in Political Communication, a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies and a Barrister at Law Degree. Ms. Kavanagh worked in the Houses of the Oireachtas as a Parliamentary Assistant and Senior Policy Officer for nine years and as a Special Advisor in three Government Departments over the last five years.

Ms. Caroline Murphy was appointed Special Adviser in April 2018, replacing Mr. Tom Fabozzi who served as special adviser from June 2017 until April 2018. Ms. Murphy has over 30 years’ experience in the fields of communications and media having worked with RTÉ in both TV and radio. In addition, she is qualified as an Organisational Psychologist.

In order to assist with the extensive significant legislative programme for which I am responsible, Mr. Robert Bourke was employed by my Department as a Legal Adviser from March to December 2018. Mr. Bourke came to my office with over ten years’ experience as a practising barrister and having worked for nine months as a Legal Researcher for the Company Law Review Group. He holds a BA degree in Business, Politics and French, a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies and a Barrister at Law Degree. Mr. Bourke was also remunerated on the Principal Officer standard pay scale (PPC).