Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In today'sedition ofThe Irish Times it is stated that Deputy Harty has access to a special adviser appointed through a member of the Government.

I presume that is with the Taoiseach's consent. I would be very surprised if it is without the Taoiseach's knowledge. We are very careful about any special advisers. I am strongly of the view that special advisers perform a very useful and important function. The Taoiseach will remember the practice that no special adviser can be appointed without the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, certainly, but they also cannot be appointed without the consent of the Taoiseach. Is the Taoiseach learning for the first time that Deputy Harty, ostensibly an Opposition Member who says that he is well disposed to the Government, has access to ministerial advisers? Do others in opposition have equal access? Is it intended to provide other Opposition Deputies access to advisers who are actually recruited to work with Ministers? On what legal basis would that be provided?

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