Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.

Under the direction of the programme manager, the primary function of the special advisers is to monitor, facilitate and help secure the achievement of Government objectives and to ensure effective co-ordination in the implementation of the programme for Government.

They are also tasked with giving me advice and keeping me informed on a wide range of issues, including business, financial, economic, political, administrative and media matters and performing such other functions as may be directed by me, from time to time.

Each of the advisers liaises with several Departments and acts as a point of contact in my office for Ministers and their advisers. My advisers attend meetings of Cabinet committees and cross-departmental teams relevant to their responsibilities. They also liaise, on my behalf, with organisations and interest groups outside of Government.

The advisers assigned to the Government Chief Whip and to the Minister of State provide advice to the Ministers of State and monitor, facilitate and secure the achievements of Government objectives that relate to the Department of the Taoiseach, as requested by the Ministers of State.

My programme manager meets other ministerial advisers on a weekly basis. He monitors and reports to me on progress in implementing the programme for Government.

The following new staff have been appointed to my Department since the general election: Eoghan O'Neachtain to fill the vacancy for Government Press Secretary; John Downing as deputy Government Press Secretary; and Jill Collins to fill the vacancy for special adviser to the Chief Whip.

While the Green Party programme manager based in Government Buildings is not a member of staff of my Department, my Department has engaged a personal assistant to provide administrative assistance to him and to the deputy Government Press Secretary.

There has been no increase in the number of special advisers who assist me in dealing with the complexities and volume of Government business — in fact, there has been a decrease of two.

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