VIP Varadkar: Tánaiste keeps diplomatic officers for official events
TÁNAISTE Leo Varadkar will keep the use of diplomatic officials who help VIPs to plan his official events.
The former Taoiseach has already retained his aide-decamp in his newly beefed-up role.
The Fine Gael leader’s high profile as Tánaiste is causing some disquiet as it has raised questions about who is in charge of the Government – Taoiseach Micheál Martin or Mr Varadkar.
Mr Varadkar had a protocol officer as part of his entourage when he was Taoiseach.
Now an official will continue to accompany him when he is participating in official events in his new expanded role as Tánaiste.
Mr Varadkar is getting his own personal military aide as he expands his role as Tánaiste.
The Fine Gael leader is strengthening his presence in the Coalition with an Office of the Tánaiste in Government Buildings, allied to his portfolio as Business Minister.
The move will see Taoiseach Mr Martin and Mr Varadkar operate more akin to the first minister and deputy first minister in Northern Ireland.
The Tánaiste has been provided with protocol assistance twice in the five weeks since he took up his new role, a spokesman said.
However, Mr Varadkar does not receive protocol assistance when acting as Business Minister.
“As outlined in the Programme for Government, the Protocol Division provides occasional protocol services to the Tánaiste where these do not relate to his departmental role,” said the spokesman.
“Since his appointment as Tánaiste, the division has provided protocol services on two occasions, on June 28 at a wreath-laying at the Connaught Rangers Memorial in Glasnevin, and on July 11 on his attendance at a vigil to mark the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Millennium Park, Blanchardstown.
“No additional staff were assigned to the Protocol Division for the provision of this service.
“The division has responsibility for State protocol, including protocol for the Taoiseach and Tánaiste and the Government.
“This involves the organisation of State and official functions, including inward visits from heads of state or government,” the spokesman also added.
In a break with protocol, the Tánaiste will join the Taoiseach and President in having his own aide-de-camp (ADC) – an army officer who accompanies him to official events.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney is also keeping perks from his previous role as Tánaiste.
Following an intervention by Mr Varadkar, Mr Coveney kept his State car and garda driver, rather than dropping down to a civilian driver.
Looking after the Tánaiste’s official engagements is a new addition to the role of the protocol division.
“The Protocol and General Division of the Department of the Taoiseach has responsibility for State protocol, including protocol for the Taoiseach and ministers of state,” the department’s website says.
“This involves the organisation of State and official events including commemorations, inward visits from heads of state or government.
“The division is the point of contact between the President and government departments.
“It also has responsibility for arts and culture issues, in particular in relation to the Creative Ireland Initiative.
“The division supports the work of Cabinet Committee F on National Security, the Inter-Departmental Senior Officials Group and chairs the Interdepartmental Group on Security of Ireland’s Electoral Process and Disinformation,” adds the website.