James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The provisions governing the appointment and role of special advisers are set out in section 11 of the Public Services Management Act 1997. In summary, the role of special advisers is to assist the Minister by providing advice; monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives that relate to the Department; and performing other such functions as may be directed by the Minister that do not involve the exercise of specific powers conferred on the Minister or other officeholders.

In order to perform their functions, it is important that my special advisers are kept up to date on developments within my Department and the health service generally both by officials in my Department and other agencies, including the HSE. It is also important that information is shared with the special advisers and every effort should be made to keep them briefed on significant issues.

Special advisers are not part of line management in the Civil Service. Accordingly, the briefing of special advisers should be regarded as complementary to the direct briefing of the Minister. It cannot act as an alternative to the direct briefing of the Minister on important areas of policy and operation. While my special advisers have no executive functions, it is reasonable for me to expect that they are kept fully briefed on any issues that relate to my role as Minister in order that they are in a position to provide me with informed advice.

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