Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 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. [47489/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 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. [47504/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 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. [47519/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 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. [47534/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 295 to 298, inclusive, together.

Information requested by the Deputy regarding special advisers employed in my Department from 1 January 2009 is as follows:

* Mr O'Connor took up duty on 29 June 2009 following the resignation of the previous incumbent of the post, Mr Morgan Brazilian. The annual salaries quoted above will be reduced in line with the public service pay cuts announced in the recent Budget. My Department does not incur any pension costs associated with the retention of the above named advisers. Both Ms McGrath and Ms Duke are members of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Non-established State Employees. Mr O'Connor, who is on secondment, retains the pension arrangements of his substantive position.

Special advisers appointed to my Department by the Government in accordance with the Public Service Management Act, 1997, provide the assistance necessary in securing the achievement of Government policy objectives that relate to my Department. I am satisfied that they represent effective and efficient use of taxpayers' money.