asked the Minister for Finance the total number of persons employed in national parks on 31st December, 1975, and 31st March, 1977.

The total number of persons employed in parks under the control of the Commissioners of Public Works on the dates mentioned was as follows: 31st December, 1975 —267; 31st March, 1977—250.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate the number of people employed in the Phoenix Park?

For both dates?

Yes, please.

At 31st December, 1975, 126; at 31st March, 1977, 113.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary accept that this figure shows a reduction in the number of people employed?

No. The need for filling existing vacancies, due to normal retirements and so on, in the parks is under consideration.

Are there any redundancies?

No.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary accept that, having regard to the importance of the Phoenix Park to the people of Dublin and the surrounding areas and the developing use of the park, more employees would be required?

As I pointed out to the Deputy, the filling of existing vacancies in each park is at present under consideration.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary considering increasing the number of people employed there?

Not at the moment.

The standard of the park is dropping.

If we sent along 13 names would the Parliamentary Secretary be able to fix them up?

There was a time.