Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 77: To ask the Taoiseach the political activities of each special advisor, 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. [39397/11]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 78: To ask the Taoiseach 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 adviser from the time they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39414/11]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.

There are five Special Advisers employed by my Department, four of whom are my Special Advisers and one of whom is Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip.

The details requested in relation to the names and salaries of the Special Advisers employed by my Department are set out in the table. None of the salaries have changed since the Special Advisers were appointed.

For the Deputy's information, my Department provides office accommodation to three Special Advisers assigned to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and one Special Adviser assigned to the Minister of State for European Affairs.

Under the supervision of my Chief of Staff, the Special Advisers working in my Department provide briefings and advice on a wide range of policy matters, as well as performing such other functions as I may direct from time to time. They also liaise with other Special Advisers in each Government Department so that I remain informed on developments across Government.

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 are accountable to me under their contracts of employment.