Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the special advisers attached to his Department are part of the line management system of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9321/05]

Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the roles and functions carried out by special advisers attached to his Department; if circulars or instructions have been issued within his Department concerning special advisers; if so, if he will provide a copy of any such circular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9322/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.

The appointment of special advisers to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for the European constitution, Mr. Treacy, was approved by the Government on 14 December 2004. Two appointments were subsequently made under the terms of section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

My special adviser assists me by providing me with advice on a range of issues, including the achievement of Government objectives as they relate to the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Minister of State's special adviser assists and advises him with regard to matters that relate to the European Union and, in particular, the EU constitution.

The special advisers are not part of the line management structure of the Department of Foreign Affairs. They report directly to the relevant Minister. In addition to creating the two positions above, which were, as I have indicated, subject to appointment by the Government, I have also appointed a press adviser. While my press adviser reports directly to me, given the nature of the job he also has regular contact with the departmental spokesperson.

No circulars or instructions concerning special advisers have been issued within the Department.