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Special Advisers

The appointment of each Special Adviser to a Minister or Minister of State requires the approval of Government in accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997, as outlined in the published Guidelines for Ministerial Appointments to the 34th Dáil.

The list below outlines the position at the cessation of the 33rd Dáil term in relation to the formal appointment of Special Advisers where it has been confirmed to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform that a formal Government Order has been made appointing the Special Adviser concerned and remuneration details have been confirmed by the relevant Line Department to the Department of Public Expenditure NDP and Reform.

The salary shown reflects the rate at time of appointment, and may have changed since with increments and salary increases. All queries in respect of individual Special Adviser appointments should be directed to the respective Line Department to which a Special Adviser is assigned.

A new list of appointments of Special Advisers for the 34th Dáil term will be published once these appointments have been agreed by Government.

List of Special Advisers at end of 33rd Dáil Term
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A copy of the Government Order formally appointing each Special Adviser is available in the Statutory Instruments section of the Irish Statute Book website at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/statutory.html

The following is a technical Guidance document that provides an overview of existing legislation, policies and processes in relation to Special Adviser posts. It provides an overview of the role, functions, staffing limits, term of office, pay and conditions and other matters related to their posts. This note does not replace existing, more detailed legislation, circulars or guidance, but references these other materials where relevant.

Guidance note for Special Advisers 2025
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All queries in respect of individual Special Adviser appointments should be directed to the respective Line Department to which a Special Adviser is assigned.

Instructions to HR Managers - Guidelines on the Appointment of Ministerial Personal Staff for the 34th Dáil
Instructions to HR Managers - Guidelines on the Appointment of Ministerial Personal Staff for the 34th Dáil
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The terms approved by Government for the appointment of Special Advisers to Ministers and certain Ministers of State of the 34rd Dáil are set out in this document.