Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will explain the appointment of two special advisors to the Minister for Housing; and the roles they will be fulfilling. [22176/12]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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In accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997, and in line with the Instructions on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil, Ministers of State who regularly attend Cabinet are permitted to appoint two Special Advisers. In this regard, I have appointed Mr. Aidan Culhane as a Special Adviser and I am currently arranging for the appointment of a second Special Adviser.

In addition to my cabinet role, I have delegated responsibility for the substantial policies and programmes associated with the housing and physical planning functions of the Department, including implementation of the Government's Housing Policy Framework. Special Advisers assigned to me are required to perform any duties, which are assigned to them from time to time as appropriate to the position of Special Adviser as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. Their primary functions include the provision of advice and the monitoring, facilitation and provision of assistance in securing Government objectives that relate to the Department. They also assist in keeping me informed and advising me on a wide range of Government business, financial, political and media matters. Special Advisers are appointed to temporary, unestablished positions in the Civil Service and their term of office ceases on the date of expiration of my assignment as Minister of State to the Department.