Taoiseach responds to SF query on staff secondment

 

AN Taoiseach Enda Kenny has responded to a parliamentary question by Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane in regard to whether or not any staff employed in the public and civil service are seconded to work with him or any Minister of State in their constituencies.

In response, Mr. Kenny stated: “There are six staff assigned to work in my constituency office. Three are based in government buildings, two of whom are established civil servants, and one who is on contract.

“One of the established civil servants is on secondment from the Department of Social Protection. The three remaining staff are based in Castlebar and are on contract.

“There are three staff assigned to work in the chief whip's constituency office, two of whom are established civil servants based in government buildings, and one who is on contract (paid by the Oireachtas) and based in Ratoath, Co. Meath. One of the two civil servants working in the chief whip's constituency office is on secondment from the Legal Aid Board.

“Minister of State Murphy has three staff in his constituency office in Cork. One established civil servant (paid by my department and seconded from the Central Statistics Office) and two contract staff (both paid by the Oireachtas).

“Minister of State Kehoe has four staff in his constituency office. Two established civil servants are seconded by my Department to the Department of Defence and are assigned to the office. They are based in government buildings and are paid by the Department of Defence.

“Minister of State Kehoe also has two contract staff (both paid by the Oireachtas) who are based in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

“Minister of State McHugh has three contract staff in his constituency office (equating to two whole time equivalent positions). They are based in Donegal and are paid by the Oireachtas.'