asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the need for extra office staff to enable the preparation of land reclamation schemes to be formulated more expeditiously.

I am aware of the need referred to by the Deputy and the position in the very few offices where some need for help exists at present is receiving attention.

Is the Minister aware that what is actually sought in the office is a clerk-typist for which they have been looking for a period of about two years now? Somebody is foostering on the subject in Dublin or somewhere. Perhaps the Minister would look into the matter and expedite the appointment?

I am aware of the need which the Deputy refers to and I am taking what steps are available to me to correct it.

May I ask if it is envisaged that during 1972-73 there will be more staff employed in the Land Project than during 1971-72?

That is a totally different question.

That is a separate question.

It is envisaged that the clerical work involved in the handling of applications will be adequately dealt with.

Question No. 16.

This question relates to office staff. That is what I am asking about. It is not a separate question at all.

Question No. 16.

The reply I gave related to office staff as well.

The question related to office staff and I am asking the Minister if he intends to have more staff this year than last year and the Minister tells me that is a separate question.

Deputy Bruton need not think he can monopolise Question Time.

It is precisely germane to the question posed.

I propose to see that the situation Deputy Esmonde refers to is corrected.

In Wexford, but I want a general reply.

This is practically the only area where there is severe pressure.

Wexford is not mentioned in the question.

Wexford happens to be the area where the acute pressure is.

I asked the Minister about the whole country.

I am calling Question No. 16.