Review to examine three publicly funded parliamentary adviser posts
The independent review of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service will examine the creation of three special adviser posts for senior parliamentary officeholders. The review matters because the posts, approved at public expense, have revived concerns about value for money and the growth of highly paid political advisers.
The Commission approved €325,000 a year for the three roles, averaging about €108,000 each. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy appointed Cyril Barden temporarily until October on a principal officer salary scale starting at €108,152; deputy Ceann Comhairle John McGuinness and Seanad Cathaoirleach Mark Daly appointed existing parliamentary assistants. The article says special adviser posts for parliamentary officeholders had ended more than a decade ago, while the current Government employs 65 advisers.
- A review will scrutinise three parliamentary special adviser posts.
- The roles cost €325,000 a year in total.
- Critics want their value and future examined.
New here? Start with this
The Houses of the Oireachtas Service supports the work of Ireland’s parliament, which includes the Dáil and Seanad. The Ceann Comhairle chairs the Dáil, the deputy Ceann Comhairle acts in that role when needed, and the Seanad Cathaoirleach chairs the Seanad.
Special advisers help senior public figures with their work, and these parliamentary posts are funded by the public. Their creation has brought attention to how such roles are approved and how much they cost; similar posts for parliamentary officeholders had ended more than a decade ago.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Dedicated advisers could give senior parliamentary officeholders the expertise and capacity to scrutinise legislation, manage complex responsibilities and represent the institutions effectively. The posts have Commission approval, and appointing experienced parliamentary assistants may make use of existing knowledge and reduce the need for recruitment from outside.
The case against
At a combined annual cost of €325,000, the posts require a clear case that they provide enough public value to justify their expense. Their return after more than a decade without such roles may add to concern about the growth of highly paid political advisers, especially if responsibilities overlap with existing staff or the appointments lack transparent criteria.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘We’re almost back to the age of Bertie when there was an adviser and a salary for everyone’: Questions raised over Oireachtas chairs hiring their own ‘special advisers’, and what happens now”.