Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht 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. [47490/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht 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. [47505/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht 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. [47520/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 243: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 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. [47535/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 to 243, inclusive, together.

There have been two such advisors in my Department during the period referred to by the Deputy and the relevant details are set out in the following table:

I am satisfied that the contribution of the advisors to the work of my Office, and the operation of the wider Department, is worthwhile and represents good value to the taxpayer.