asked the Minister for Local Government the salary and conditions offered by Dublin Corporation for the position of city architect.

The salary scale for the office of Dublin city architect is £3,162 rising by annual increments of £95 to a maximum salary of £3,542. There is provision for paying a commencing salary higher than the minimum of the scale, depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate for the post. An annual car allowance of £230 is also payable to the city architect. The other conditions of service are the same as those which apply generally to wholetime, permanent and pensionable professional officers of local authorities.

30.

asked the Minister for Local Government how long the post of Dublin city architect has remained vacant; how many applications for the post have been received to date; and the cause of the delay in making an appointment to this important position.

The post has been vacant since 27th July, 1965. The selection of a person who would be suitable for appointment to the post is a matter for the Local Appointments Commissioners at the request of Dublin Corporation. I understand that competitions for the filling of the post have been held by the Commissioners but that they are unable as yet to recommend a candidate to the local authority for appointment.

Has the Minister any information as to the comparison between the salary and conditions offered by Dublin Corporation and other architects' salaries and conditions?

Other local authority architects?

Other architects.

I have not got the figures but it is the highest salary that is available.

The salary and conditions are better than in any other local authority?

The salary is; I do not know about the conditions.

Could the Minister indicate how the salary and conditions compare with those of other architects? Has he any such information?

No.

Would the Minister set about getting the information, having regard to the importance of Dublin having a city architect?

Yes, if the Deputy puts down a question.

Will the Minister state when the position was last advertised?

I think it was July, 1967. I do not know exactly when it was.

Why does the Minister not know?

I was not asked.

Can the Minister say whether or not applications are still being invited?

No.

When did applications close?

If the Deputy wants this information, let him put down a question.

The Minister should have sufficient information to answer these questions.

If the Deputy puts down a question I will answer it.

The Minister should have the information. He is responsible.