asked the Minister for Health the name, rank, salary, allowances and terms and conditions of employment of advisers and assistants, other than civil servants, at present employed by him or his Minister of State.

No person is employed by my Department as either an adviser or an assistant under the terms outlined in the Deputy's question.

13.

asked the Minister for Health the number of personal contract assistants employed by him and his Minister of State; the cost of each; and the overall cost to the taxpayer.

The Minister of State at the Department of Health employs a personal secretary on a contract which will terminate not later than the date on which the Government cease to hold office. The annual cost of salary and allowances for the person concerned is £6,526.

What are the functions of the personal secretary involved?

To assist the Minister of State in the discharge of his functions as such.