Cowen defends high cost of advisers

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has confirmed seven special advisers to his department have cost almost €1.4m since the current Government's term began in May 2008.

Mr Cowen told the Dáil that the cost was small when compared to the entire public service pay bill.

"We mention the cost and you could build another school for that, another school for this - the fact of the matter is that advisers add value to the work of an administration," he said.

"They assist in making sure the policies are being implemented; they are - in the overall scheme of things - a very small part of the overall Government operation," he added.