441 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Finance the status of the political staff paid from the Vote for the Houses of the Oireachtas vis-à-vis the benchmarking process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2455/02]

In accordance with the terms of the PPF, the public service benchmarking body has been asked to examine all the major groups and categories within each sector in the public service. A list of such groups was agreed between the parties to the agreement in advance of the benchmarking body commencing its work. Details of how the remaining grades will be dealt with in the light of the outcome of the benchmarking exercise are currently the subject of discussion between the parties to the agreement. The implications of the benchmarking process for political staff paid from the Vote for the Houses of the Oireachtas are being considered in that context.