374 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the names, titles and duties of each of the advisers, press officers, assistants and secretaries appointed by him; the annual salaries in each case; the pension arrangements in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45844/10]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the names, duties, and annual salary of special advisers, assistants and secretaries appointed by me is set out as follows.

Those of the above staff who are unestablished are members of the Un-established Civil Service Pension Scheme and pay the pension levy. The Department does not make any contribution to this Scheme. Staff who are established civil servants are members of the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Established State Employees and of the Contributory Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme for Established State Employees. They also pay the pension levy.

All the above staff are appointed in accordance with the terms of the Public Service Management Act 1997 and the Guidelines issued by the Department of the Finance.