asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the number of musicians, if any, who have been replaced in the Radio Éireann Orchestra by non-nationals within the past 18 months.

During the period in question 18 musicians, comprising 14 nationals and four non-nationals left the orchestra. A total of 25 musicians, comprising ten nationals and 15 non-nationals, were recruited during the same period.

Is the Minister aware that some of the nationals who have been displaced are persons with families and their disemployment has caused very severe hardship? In certain cases displaced nationals were subsequently employed by the Hallé Orchestra when it visited Dublin recently and were regarded as satisfactory. In view of the hardship caused, will the Minister now investigate the circumstances of these people's dismissal?

All these matters have been investigated. In regard to the statement with relation to players who were employed temporarily for the purpose of a particular concert, may I say that at least one of those players has been engaged with the Radio Éireann Orchestra in a temporary capacity since?

Quite recently one individual was dismissed who had had service with the Army during the emergency. Surely such a person should not be displaced by a non-national.

Most of the persons dismissed were serving in a purely temporary capacity. They were aware of that fact, and every possible opportunity was taken to make them aware that a time would come when their services would be terminated. Every possible step was taken to make them realise that.

Is it not a fact that almost the entire orchestra — in fact, both orchestras — are recruited in a temporary capacity, so that, automatically, they are temporary, but, in practice, experience has shown that a great number of the nationals are being displaced by non-nationals?

There are two types of persons playing in the orchestra. The first type is recruited on the basis that their service can be discontinued without notice and the second type are recruited to a more permanent state of employment. There are less than 10 per cent. of the first type in both orchestras combined, and they are employed in a purely temporary capacity.

What length of notice is given?

They are given notice for months in advance.

One month?

Months in advance.

That they are going to be dismissed?

I have given the facts to the Deputy.

If a person has given satisfactory service in a temporary capacity why is he not made permanent instead of——

Hear, hear.

Players who are satisfactory are appointed permanently. Since June, 1952, we have appointed ten national musicians — which shows that there is no prejudice whatever in that matter.