Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On an individual retiring from the present complement, it will be a matter for decision by me whether a replacement would be required. It will depend on the circumstances. The issue is to ensure we comply with the regulations set out in the Public Service Management Act 1997. I recall the first political party to insist on special advisers was the good Labour Party itself when it came into office.

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