asked the Minister for Finance whether a decision has been reached regarding the question of restoring the open competitive examination for posts as clerical officer.

As I mentioned in a reply to a question on 22nd January, 1963, the open competitive examination for clerical officers was suspended as part of a scheme for the reorganisation of certain general service grades which came into effect on 1st July, 1960. This whole scheme is subject to review in the light of experience when it has been in operation for four years. One of the matters to be considered when the review takes place will be the question of reintroducing the examination.