Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

The Taoiseach yesterday maintained that the communications unit within his Department was totally apolitical. That could certainly not be stated in any sense with regard to political advisers. Is there a role for these political advisers after the Taoiseach dissolves the Dáil and between then and the general election specifically? Are they stood down for that period or do they continue to work with and advise the Taoiseach?

For example, Deputies going forward for re-election will get letters warning them not to use Oireachtas offices, postage or other facilities for their election campaign. That is fair enough as it is supposed to be the level playing pitch for people who are not Members of the Oireachtas. What will be the position of the Taoiseach's advisers in that case?

The restrictions put on personnel employed by ordinary Members is that they should be sent off for a few weeks break. Will the same happen with the Taoiseach's advisers?

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