Ahern does not have to justify second secretary

BERTIE AHERN has submitted monthly expense claims for use of secretaries from employment agencies despite having a full-time secretary paid for by the state.

And the former taoiseach does not have to give any reason or justification when he calls on the services of a second secretarial assistant, which he has been doing to the maximum amountallowed since stepping down in May 2008.

The Department of the Taoiseach has confirmed it is reviewing the perk that entitles former taoisigh to the use of two secretaries for five years after retirement — with a maximum salary of €55,415 each.

Mr Ahern’s secretarial expenses amounted to €106,838 last year and €114,369 in 2009. He claimed €42,890 for secretarial expenses in the first six months of this year.

“One of Mr Ahern’s secretarial assistants is paid directly through the department’s payroll and one is provided by an employment agency,” said a spokesperson for the department.

“The agency submits monthly invoices to Mr Ahern. The agency cost incurred is reimbursed to Mr Ahern on submission of vouched invoices or receipts.”

The department said ex-taoisigh have some duties they must carry out after leaving office including their role in the Council of State, which advises the president of the constitutionality of certain legislation.

The council has only met once since Mr Ahern left office.

A spokesperson said they may also need to deal with media queries and political research.

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton suggested yesterday that Mr Ahern’s pension of €150,000 a year and that of other retired politicians should be looked at.

“I think that former office holders should reflect on the reduced circumstances that everyone in the country is now facing,” she said, adding that it was a matter for the Taoiseach and the Finance Minister.