Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.

There are five special advisers employed by my Department. I have three special advisers, including my chief of staff, and all were appointed with effect from 6 May 2016. The Government Chief Whip has two special advisers, one was appointed with effect from 6 May 2016 and a second was appointed with effect from 3 October 2016 due to the increased emphasis on parliamentary liaison.

In August 2016, I appointed a chief strategist for the Independent Alliance. Most recently, I appointed a political co-ordinator for the Independent Ministers in Government who took up his post this week. While not special advisers, these individuals are members of the political staff of my Department. I have no plans presently to appoint any new special advisers in my Department.

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