asked the Minister for Finance if he will state how many officials in the Revenue Commissioners, who have reached the retiring age, are still retained in the service; at whose request did they still continue in the service; what ranks are they occupying; and what reasons are assigned for continuing in the service such officials.

The answers to the various parts of the question are:—13 officers of the Revenue Commissioners' Office, who have reached the normal age for retirement, are still retained in the service. The ranks they occupy are chariman, solicitor, special commissioner for income tax, director of stamping, clerical officer, four writing clerks, messenger, two office cleaners, firelighter cleaner. Nine of the officers in question were allowed to continue in the service at their own request, for the reason that, having no sufficient means of support apart form their pay, it was felt taht retirement at 65 would in their cases entail undue hardship. In the case of the remaining four, retention of their services was decided upon in the public interest.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, I presume the clerical officers and writing clerks referred to are unestablished officers?

Precisely.