Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism 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. [47488/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism 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. [47503/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism 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. [47518/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will defend the spending 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. [47533/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 to 228, inclusive, together.

Since taking office in this Department in 2008, I have appointed one Special (Press) Advisor, Ms Michelle Hoctor, under Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997. Ms Hoctor's position in the Department is that of Special (Press) Advisor. Ms Hoctor is currently paid €93,449 on the Principal Officer Standard Scale. The cost of pension contributions in respect of her appointment at this Department amounts to €2,400 to date. The appointment as Special (Press) Advisor was made under Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997 and the Advisor performs functions as specified in this Section. This appointment is in line with Department of Finance guidelines on such matters.