Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the name, title and number of special advisers in his Department between 1 January to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47496/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the annual salaries in cash amount, and not merely in grade level, of special advisers in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47511/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the total cost of pension contributions associated with the retention of special advisers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47526/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will defend the spend of taxpayers' money on such additional expertise, as provided by special advisers, when resources are scarce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47541/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 to 221, inclusive, together.

The following table sets out the name, title and salary details of the four special advisors in my Department. The salaries are linked to the Principal Officer standard scale and will be reduced as a result of the reduction in public service pay rates as announced in last week's budget.

The terms of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees and of the Contributory Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme apply to Ms. Deirdre Gillane.

The terms of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Established State Employees and of the Contributory Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme apply to Mr. Christy Mannion.

Ms. Gillane and Mr. Mannion also pay the Public Service Pension Related Deduction introduced in March 2009. From 1/3/09 to 31/12/09 Ms Gillane will make contributions of €7,177.13 and Mr Mannion will make contributions of €7,486.27.

Mr. David Grant and Mr. Jerry O'Connor opted for payments of 11% of salary in respect of superannuation contributions to be made to an approved pension provider.

The roles and functions carried out by the Special Advisors are as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 i.e. 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. I am satisfied that the Special Advisors contribute to the effectiveness of the system in a manner and to an extent that fully justifies the associated costs.