Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

97. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of special advisers that will be hired by his Department. [22780/20]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While appointments are subject to formal Government approval, the appointment of individual Special Advisers is a matter for each Government Minister subject to the terms set out in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines which set out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisers is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. These guidelines were approved by Government on 04 August 2020.

It is expected that a special advisor will be appointed for Minister of State English. The special advisors for Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is still under consideration.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform must be notified of the rate of salary to be paid in all cases for Special Advisers. These rates will then be published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.