I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 360 together.
In response to the Deputy's question, Áine Kilroy was appointed as my Special Advisor on 18/4/2011 and was placed on the first point of the salary scale appropriate for the position i.e. €80,051. Her salary has not changed since she was appointed. Ms Kilroy provides general policy advice to me on a range of areas including implementation of the Programme for Government.
Fergal Leamy was employed as my special adviser from 11/4/2011 up to his date of resignation on 9/9/2011. Mr Leamy was on an annual salary of €130,000 and his position remains vacant.
The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour excludes staff holding temporary unestablished positions and whose tenure is coterminous with that of the relevant Minister from the restrictions on engaging in political activity as set out in section 5 of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
In line with Government policy, the staffing complement of my office and that of the Minister of State has been reduced. In that context, I have assigned additional responsibilities to those within my allocated complement of staff where necessary and appropriate.