Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Are there guidelines for the work of the six special advisers in the Taoiseach's Department and, if so, do such guidelines apply to other Departments? When a special adviser is appointed, does he or she get a list of regulations or conditions that he or she must abide by? How is the monitoring function of the special advisers implemented? Do the advisers visit other Departments to see if the programme for Government is being put in place?

On advisers liaising with special interest groups, does one of the six advisers liaise with the group of Independent Deputies in the House, just in case the Taoiseach needs them at some time in the future?

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