asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that a claim for increased remuneration on behalf of 25 temporary inspectors attached to the veterinary services, has been with his Department for a very considerable period, and if he is now in a position to indicate when a final decision on the matter will be made.

I presume the Deputy refers to the grade known as temporary lay inspector employed on work relating to the Pigs and Bacon Acts, Agricultural Produce Fresh Meat Acts, canning, etc. The case of these men has to be considered in conjunction with that of other temporary or unestablished classes on the Department's technical staff and the matter is still under examination.

May I remind the Minister that the matter is under examination since 1938?

The Deputy, I hope, will agree with me that the problem of unestablished temporary officers cannot be circumscribed within the case of the particular category of officers to which he refers and that there are implications extending throughout the whole service.

Is the Minister aware that these temporary servants are performing the same duties as the established officers?

I am not so aware.