Irish Oireachtas Faces Scrutiny Over "Special Adviser" Hires

Questions are being raised about the current practice of Oireachtas office-holders hiring their own "special advisers," a move that effectively brings back a system that was abolished more than ten years ago. This shift has drawn parallels to the "age of Bertie," referring to the era of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, during which such advisory roles and associated salaries were widespread.

The roles for office-holders within Leinster House were previously discontinued following a period of controversy. Notably, the resignation of former Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue was linked to disputes over his travel expenses. The re-emergence of these special adviser positions has prompted renewed scrutiny into the allocation of public funds and the governance of parliamentary staffing.

Leas-Cheann Comhairle John McGuinness, Seanad leader Mark Daly, and Verona Murphy have been mentioned in connection with these roles. The Daily Mail has reported on the implications of these appointments, suggesting a return to a system where numerous advisers were employed. The duration and specific responsibilities of these newly appointed special advisers remain a point of discussion and concern for those questioning the practice.

This development marks a significant departure from the reforms implemented after the controversies of the early 2000s, which aimed to increase transparency and accountability within the Oireachtas. The current situation has led to calls for clarity on the necessity and oversight of these positions, as the public purse is once again associated with the hiring of political consultants in these capacities.