Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, together.

There are currently seven special advisers in my Department. Under the direction of my programme manager, Joe Lennon, who is my principal special adviser, their primary functions are 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.

The role and duties of special advisers are described in section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. In summary, these are providing advice; monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives that relate to the Department, as requested; and performing such other functions as may be directed.

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. My advisers liaise with a number of Departments and act as points 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.

Special advisers are also tasked with giving me advice and keeping me informed on a wide range of issues, including business, financial, economic, political, environmental, administrative and media matters, and performing such other functions as may be directed by me from time to time. In addition, a number of my advisers have specific responsibilities for speech drafting.

The annual salaries for my special advisers are as follows: Joe Lennon, €188,640; Peter Clinch, €194,957; Oliver O'Connor, €156,241; Brian Murphy, €126,718; Gerry Steadman, €126,718; Padraig Slyne, €92,853; and Declan Ryan, €92,672.

Francis Kieran is special assistant to the Attorney General. His functions are to act as a liaison between the Attorney General and me and other Departments on items relevant to legal issues arising from the programme for Government as well as to keep the Attorney General informed on items arising in the Oireachtas or media which could impinge on, or be relevant to, his role. His contractual duties include matters assigned from time to time by the Attorney General and he also participates in meetings of special advisers and attends the Government legislation committee. The position of Attorney General is not a political one and, as such, Mr. Kieran does not provide political advice.

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