The Dáil has heard concerns from Opposition politicians about staffing in ministerial offices.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the Dáil he has appointed a chief of staff, a deputy chief of staff, three special advisers and he said it was his intention to appoint an economic adviser.
Mr Martin said the Tánaiste's office will have five or six special advisers, and the Green Party leader's office will have four or five special advisers.
He also told the Dáil that an office for the Tánaiste and Green Party leader would be established within the Department of the Taoiseach.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said she was concerned that the Tánaiste and the Green Party leader would have an office in the Department of the Taoiseach.
"Too many cooks spoil the broth," she told the Dáil.
Ms McDonald said she was "very concerned" that there would now be what she described as a "holy trinity" of very senior actors located in the Department of the Taoiseach, at a considerable expense to the taxpayer.
She described as "absolutely extraordinary" that Tánaiste Leo Varadkar would have five or six additional advisers to fulfill his duties.
She asked why Mr Varadkar needed an aide-de-camp, saying she did not understand it and she called for an explanation.
"I think more importantly the taxpayer needs an explanation as to why all of this is happening," Ms McDonald said.
The Labour Party leader described the issue of the aide de camp to the Tánaiste as a "joke".
Alan Kelly said there seemed to be an incredible amount of advisers potentially within Government.
He also said it was "frankly a joke" that the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney would cost the taxpayer €200,000 because he wants a garda car and driver.
Mr Kelly also said it would be wrong for the 20 junior ministers to have advisers because he said they are totally unnecessary in the current economic situation.
Responding, the Taoiseach said Ministers of State mean something in terms of policy areas under their responsibility.
He said he agreed with policy people coming in from the political world to ensure the Programme for Government is implemented.
In relation to the matter of a garda car and driver for the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Martin said there was a security issue in relation to travel.
In relation to the Tánaiste's aide-de-camp, the Taoiseach said Mr Varadkar had sought one to assist him in the duties and the events he would be attending.
