Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the name, title and number of special advisers in her Department between 1 January to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47493/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The table below outlines the name, title and number of special advisors in my Department between 1 January to date in 2009:

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 89: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the annual salaries in cash amount, and not merely in grade level, of special advisers in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47508/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The tables below outline the annual salaries in cash amount of all special advisors employed in my Department.

Office of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment

Office of the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Jimmy Devins, T.D. (from 1/1/09 to 21/4/09)

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the total cost of pension contributions associated with the retention of special advisers within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47523/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There are no costs in respect of pension contributions associated with the retention of current special advisors within my Department.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 91: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will defend the spend of taxpayers' money on such additional expertise, as provided by special advisers, when resources are scarce. [47538/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Special Advisers appointed to my Department have been appointed in line with the provisions of Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 and also, in accordance with the "Instructions relating to the appointment of Ministerial Private Office Staff" as issued by the Department of Finance. The role and duties of special advisers as described in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 include the provision of advice, monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives as they relate to my Department and performing such other functions as may be directed. I am satisfied that the contribution made by my special advisers assists in the achievement of Government objectives.