'Galling for people' as government spends €5.3m on special advisers 

Sinn Féin Mairead Farrell has criticised the spend on Government advisers. Picture: Sasko Lazarov

Over €5.34m will be spent on government special advisers this year as the coalition has taken on an unprecedented number of politically appointed staff.

Around 63 policy and press advisers have been appointed by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste as well as senior and junior ministers, sparking calls for greater transparency in the recruitment process.