Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the political activities of each special adviser, special press adviser, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; if any of them were members of a political party; if so, which parties; if any of them are or have been elected local authority members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39384/11]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and names of all special advisers, special press advisers, or any other type of ministerial adviser in his Department; the name of the Minister or Minister of State to whom he reports; the salary of each advisor now; the salary of each advisor from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39401/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 265 together.

As provided for in the Guidelines on the staffing of Ministers' Offices, I have sought and received sanction for the appointment of two special advisors. Also in accordance with these Guidelines, Minister of State McGinley has not sought the appointment of any advisor. I have appointed Mr. James Kenny as special advisor with effect from 7 June 2011. As provided for in the above mentioned Guidelines, Mr Kenny's salary has been appointed at the first point of the Principal Officer Standard Scale. As Mr. Kenny is in receipt of a public service pension, his salary has been abated to €38,215 per annum.

My Department has also received sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the appointment of Mr. Seán Mac Cárthaigh as special advisor. Details of his contract and remuneration are currently being finalised by my officials in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The restrictions under the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour on civil servants engaging in political activity do not apply to Special Advisers and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my Special Advisers would be accountable to me under their contracts of employment.