Phil Hogan
Ceist:190 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the number of serving civil servants who intend to run as candidates in the forthcoming local authority elections. [8787/99]
Written Answers. - Local Authority Elections.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:191 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the number of ministerial advisers who intend to run as candidates in the forthcoming local authority elections. [8788/99]
Phil Hogan
Ceist:192 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the guidelines or rules, if any, governing the participation of ministerial advisers and personal secretaries in local authority elections. [8789/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190, 191 and 192 together.
I understand from the Department of the Environment and Local Government that the closing date for receipt of nominations for candidates at the forthcoming local elections is Saturday, 22 May 1999. I am, therefore, not in a position to indicate the number of serving civil servants or ministerial advisers and personal secretaries who intend to run as candidates in the forthcoming local elections.
With regard to the rules governing the participation of ministerial advisers and personal secretaries in local authority elections, a Government decision in July 1985 exempted personal assistants and special advisers in Ministers offices from the arrangements covering state employees and politics. Personal assistants and special advisers are permitted to participate as candidates in local authority elections.