David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Social and Family 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. [9630/05]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Social and Family 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. [9631/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.

The roles and functions carried out by the special advisers attached to my Department are as set out in section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997, that is, to assist the Minister by providing advice, by monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department and by performing such other functions as may be directed by the Minister. Special advisers are not part of the line management system of my Department. They are accountable directly to the Minister in the performance of their functions. No circulars or instructions concerning special advisers have issued within my Department.