Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Taoiseach the names, duties and annual salaries of each of the special or political advisers appointed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4879/04]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The names, titles and annual rates of remuneration of my special advisers are tabled below. Katherine Bulbulia, programme manager to the Tánaiste, is also based in my Department.

The role of the advisors is to keep me informed on a wide range of issues including business, financial, economic, political, administrative and media matters. Under the direction of the programme manager, their primary function is to ensure effective co-ordination in the implementation of the programme for Government.

Each of the advisers liaises with a number of Departments and acts as a point of contact in my office for Ministers and their advisers. They attend meetings of Cabinet committees and cross-departmental teams relevant to their responsibilities. They also liaise, on my behalf, with organisations and interest groups outside of Government.

In addition, a number of my advisers have specific responsibilities for speech drafting. My programme manager meets other ministerial advisers on a weekly basis. He monitors and reports to me on the programme for Government.