Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

There is a limit on the number of advisers a Minister can have, and that is being complied with. Under the Public Service Management Act no such restrictions on the number of special advisers to the Department of the Taoiseach apply. However, I do not intend in the foreseeable future to provide for any further advisers. On the question of should a replacement be required if someone retires or resigns, it can be considered on its merits but I would be mindful of the overall situation.

See this speech in context