Cost of running ministerial offices to be cut by 10%

THE COST of running the offices of Ministers and Ministers of State is to be reduced by 10 per cent this year, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said.

“If it is necessary to redeploy some people back into departments to do departmental work, that should proceed,” he said.

“I have no problem making sure these things are done in the appropriate way, commensurate to the workload.”

Mr Cowen said that there were guidelines covering the staffing of ministerial offices.

“I understand that two per Minister is the maximum number and that is complied with,” he said.

Mr Cowen said that under the direction of the programme manager, the primary function of the special advisers was to monitor, facilitate and help secure the achievement of Government objectives and ensure effective co-ordination in the implementation of the programme for government.

“They are also tasked with giving me advice and keeping me informed on a wide range of issues, including business, financial, economic, political, environmental, administrative and media matters, and performing such other functions as may be directed by me from time to time,” he added.

“In addition, a number of my advisers have specific responsibilities in relation to speech writing.”

Mr Cowen said that those with pension entitlements would be subject to the same arrangements as any other public servant. He had indicated that those who did not have such an arrangement, and for whom pensions did not form part of their terms and conditions, would volunteer a 10 per cent cut in salary.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said that the total cost last year of the Taoiseach’s appointments, including advisers and personal appointments, was €1.6 million. The cost of Government special advisers, media advisers and other personally appointed staff amounted to €6.2 million.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore was ruled out of order by Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue when he asked Mr Cowen about a possible reduction in the number of Ministers of State.

Mr O’Donoghue said the questions tabled to the Taoiseach related to staff in his office.

Mr Cowen said that his programme manager Joe Lennon, whose salary was €221,929, had made a “gift” of €22,193 “for use for any purpose for or towards the cost of which public monies are provided”.

Mr Cowen revealed the salaries of special advisers: Peter Clinch is paid €204,952 while Gerry Steadman and Brian Murphy receive €131,748 each.