Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The requirement for specialist policy input and advice is a matter for each individual Minister to consider having regard to the area of responsibility and the support in place in the relevant Departments in line with the terms of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

As outlined in the programme for Government, a number of reforms have been implemented to ensure openness and co-operation within Government. These include the establishment of an office of the Tánaiste and an office of the leader of the Green Party within the Department of the Taoiseach, located in Government buildings. There are 16 special advisers employed within the Department of the Taoiseach, covering the Tánaiste and the leader of the Green Party, including the Government Chief Whip.

They work with the various office holders in the Department. I have previously set out details of these appointments to the House. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has also published the list of special advisers approved by Government, including those assigned to work in my Department, which is available on the gov.iewebsite and which is updated periodically.

Other politically-appointed staff in my Department include a Government press secretary and two deputy Government press secretaries, one each assigned to the Office of the Tánaiste and the office of the leader of the Green Party; a personal assistant to both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste; and two civilian drivers for the Government Chief Whip.

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