Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The front page of one of the national newspapers today sets out clearly the scale of payment by Government to special advisers, media advisers and other personally appointed staff. It is interesting to note that the Government spent €6.2 million in 2008 on special advisers, media advisers and other such persons - one would build a few schools for that.

The Taoiseach stated €2.7 million is the cost since June 2007 to date and that the purpose of these advisers is to facilitate, monitor and secure Government objectives. I am not sure how successful they have been. Are these special advisers subject to reductions in salary the same as everybody else? Are they subject to the income levy because of bonuses and increments that they receive?

I mean no disrespect to the person involved, but how, for example, does the Taoiseach justify an increase of €10,000 in the salary of somebody who writes scripts for the Taoiseach and who was employed by his predecessor? The person's salary, I understand, was €118,000 in 2007 and the Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, when appointed increased it to €128,000.

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