(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of postwomen employed by his Department.

Seventeen.

(Dublin Central): Can the Minister give any indication of what his policy is regarding the recruitment of postwomen?

The Deputy is probably aware that competitions for appointments as established postmen had always been confined to male applicants, but the question of including women and men, without distinction, to all grades in the Department is under consideration as one of the matters arising from the Anti-discrimination (Employment) Bill, 1975.

(Dublin Central): Can we take it that women will be afforded equal opportunity in the filling of these vacancies in the very near future?

I cannot say "in the very near future", but I certainly hope it will happen. I cannot say how soon.