asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the job description of Mr Phil Taylor, a political adviser in the Northern Ireland Office; and whether he is authorised to issue instructions to senior civil servants including the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. [HL568]

Special advisers in the NIO act in accordance with the Model Contract and Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have issued guidance in relation to allegations of bullying of members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service by political advisers.[HL569]

No. Special advisers in the NIO are required to abide by the conduct provisions of the NIO Home Civil Service Staff Handbook and the Civil Service Code.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many political advisers are attached to the Northern Ireland Office; what are the job title and salary of each post; whether the posts are eligible for the award of bonuses; and, if so, how bonuses are calculated. [HL614]

Since 2003, the Government have published on an annual basis the names and overall cost of special advisers and the numbers in each pay band. For the most recent information, I refer the noble Lord to the Written Ministerial Statement made by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister on Monday 24 July 2006 (Official Report, cols. 87-91 WS).