Mystery still surrounds Special Advisors
07 February 2008
Statement by Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister:-
"Nine months since their appointment, the publicly funded salaries of the 18 Special Advisers to the Executive Ministers remain a closely guarded secret. Despite persistent correspondence with the Head of the Civil Service and the First Minister, the only relevant facts to emerge are that:
- no enquiries were made, before appointment, or since, as to whether any have criminal convictions;
- none were security-vetted before appointment, or since;
- though they enjoy the status of civil servants they are outside the control of the Head of the Civil Service;
- though a DFP Code of Practice exists, giving guidance on appoinment procedures applicable to Special Advisers, it was not followed in many instances;
- no disclosure has taken place as to whether any family relationships exist with any Ministers."
