Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I agree with everything Senator McDowell said. I do not think the special adviser system could be operated if there was some type of formal recruitment process. Special advisers are, generally speaking, personal choices of Ministers and all Governments. I fully accept that watertight safeguards are required. A certain danger exists in the system of patronage. I would not be averse to some legislative control of numbers, which is not dealt with in the Bill. It should not be extended infinitely.

A few years ago, I remember one Minister in a particular Government having a cabinet of five special advisers, and I am not referring to the Taoiseach of the time. It is something that needs to be watched. The amendment, if passed, would destroy the system at a stroke.