Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 215: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of the number of political advisors employed by him or his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35868/12]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 216: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of the number of political advisors employed by his predecessors in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35887/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.

There are two Special Advisers employed in my Department. Both were appointed by the Government on my behalf. My predecessor who was assigned to the Department in June 2007 also employed two Special Advisers. One Special Adviser was appointed to various Ministers of State who served in my Department from June 2007 to March 2011.