On the commencement of every Dáil, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issues guidelines setting out the arrangements for the staffing of Ministerial Offices. The appointment of Special Advisors is subject to section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
I can confirm that neither Minister Heydon nor myself have appointed any advisers yet.
In accordance with Section 11 of the Act, Minister of State Hackett has appointed two special advisers dealing with Press and Policy respectively. Arrangements are in train for these appointments to be approved by Government.
The current salary for Ministerial Advisers is: Special Adviser (Principal Officer), salary range: €89,072 - €109,547.
Additional information relating to the appointment of advisers is provided to the Oireachtas upon their appointment.