I propose to take Questions Nos. 916, 921 and 943 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. Minister of State McGinley has not sought the appointment of an advisor.
I have appointed Mr. James Kenny and Mr. Damien Garvey as special advisors with effect from 7th June 2011 and 2nd April 2012 respectively. As provided for in the above mentioned Guidelines, both Mr. Kenny and Mr. Garvey have been appointed at the first point of the Principal Officer Standard Scale, of €80,051 per annum. However, as Mr. Kenny is in receipt of a public service pension, his salary has been abated to €38,215 per annum.
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 advisors and they can engage in political activity or join political parties if they wish. These are not matters for which my special advisors would be accountable to me under their contracts of employment.