Paying the price for words of advice
THE glaring inconsistency in replies to official questions from TDs is starkly illustrated in a series of responses on the Government's politically-appointed staff members.
Ministers are legally obliged to respond to Parliamentary Questions from TDs, but the absence of details in these replies is often criticised by opposition politicians.
The responses are prepared by civil servants in the relevant departments but the ministers are ultimately responsible for the answer.
Frequently, TDs will put down a question to each of the 15 Cabinet ministers, but not only will they receive 15 different answers but also 15 different types of answers.
Posing a seemingly straightforward question about staff appointed by ministers from outside the civil service since the general election, Fine Gael education spokesperson Olwyn Enright was left bemused by the inadequate answers.
"It's very basic information that I asked for and yet I didn't get the answers," Ms Enright said.
While Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's and Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy's officials openly divulged all the details on their politically appointed staff's names, salaries and expenses, a number of their Cabinet colleagues were less than forthcoming.
"If people are being employed we should be able to see quite clearly who they are and what they are paid," Ms Enright said.
The salary of Government Press Secretary Mandy Johnston was frequently mentioned in the wake of her recent High Court libel action.
But as the table of appointments shows, Ms Johnston is certainly not the only highly-paid media adviser.
Not included in this list are the Taoiseach's kitchen cabinet members in place since before the 2002 general election:
Gerry Hickey - Programme Manager and Special Adviser: €185,298
Katherine Bulbulia - Programme Manager to the Tánaiste: €129,708
Joe Lennon - Special Adviser: €109,634
Úna Claffey - Special Adviser: €109,634
Gerry Howlin - Special Adviser: €100,369
In previous responses to queries on this issue, Mr Ahern defended his Government's record of politically-appointing staff, saying the Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats coalition hired fewer advisors than the Rainbow Government of Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left.
Mr Ahern said there was a total of 33 politically-appointed programme managers, special advisers and press secretaries who assist the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Ministers across all Departments and that of these seven are civil servants.
At the time, Mr Ahern said his own politically-appointed staff cost in the region of €530,000 annually. Since then that bill has certainly risen substantially.
Although not elected, these officials wield significant influence with their political masters. The flip side is that the careers of politically-appointed staff only last as long as their bosses remain in favour with the electorate or the Taoiseach. Once a minister goes out of office, contracts are terminated. Although not full-time public servants, the staff do benefit from the same pay rises as their civil servant colleagues such as benchmarking and national wage agreements.
Ms Harney's response may lack basic details like names and wage packets but does elaborate on the duties of the staff she has appointed.
"The programme manager's role relates to the implementation of the programme for Government, which involves liaising with departmental officials and programme managers in other departments.
"The special advisers are involved in the provision of advice and assistance to myself and the two Ministers of State. The personal secretary and personal assistants are involved in the performance of general secretarial duties including duties relating to the handling of inquiries made to the offices," Ms Harney's response notes.
Crucially, these appointees are trusted by their ministers and that trust comes at a price.
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