Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Mr. John Lahart, adviser to the Minister of State and Chief Whip, Deputy Kitt, is responsible for e-Cabinet and he is involved in that work.

The conditions under which advisers are covered are included in a number of legislative provisions. Clarification on the role of advisers was sought in the House at the end of last year or the beginning of this year, specifically whether they could be made permanent, the basis on which it could be done and their pensionability. Conditions were written into the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act which effectively mean such people cannot be made permanent. Deputy Kenny will be familiar with the old arrangement whereby persons could be appointed by the Government in the national interest, as they were on a number of occasions. However, that provision has been eliminated and such persons must now re-apply through open competition rather than by any other arrangement. The amendment to the Civil Service Commissioners Act 1956 by the Act to which I referred was made as a result of the issue being raised during Taoiseach's Question Time.

All special advisers must comply with the ethics in public office provisions. That has all been published and the provisions cover both their contracts and any engagements in which they are involved. It is almost the same as for office holders who must also comply with the conditions. All Government advisers have complied with their obligations except one adviser, who is not one of mine and is new to his position, who has yet to complete his form.

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