Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 to 5, inclusive, together.

Having appointed Ministers and Ministers of State to their various portfolios across Government, I will reflect on how my Department can best support the important work ahead. I will continue to meet officials in the Department and decide over the coming weeks what changes might be required.

Four Ministers of State hold portfolios in my Department: Deputy Joe McHugh is Government Chief Whip; Deputy Helen McEntee has responsibility for european affairs; Deputy Paul Kehoe has responsibility for defence; and Deputy Pat Breen has responsibility for data protection. The payments these Ministers of State will receive are sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and their staffing entitlements are those set out in that Department's instructions on ministerial appointments for the 32nd Dáil.

I am also considering the advisory supports that I might need in my role as Taoiseach and Head of Government. While I have not as yet finalised the make-up of my team, I intend to recruit a number of special advisers, including a chief of staff. All such appointments will be subject to Government approval.

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