asked the Minister for Labour the total number of work permits issued and renewed from January 1973 to December 1976.

The total number of work permits issued and renewed by my Department from January, 1973, to December, 1976, was 8,186.

15.

asked the Minister for Labour if he will give a break down of the countries and classification of work permits issued from January, 1973, to 31st December, 1976.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to supply the information in the form of a tabular statement which I will circulate to the House.

Following is the statement:

BREAKDOWN by country of work permits issued (including renewals) from January, 1973, to December, 1976.

Breakdown of permits by work classification from January, 1973, to 31st December, 1976

* Temporary Entertainment.

†Including temporary foreign workers engaged for short periods in installation, maintenance and commissioning of equipment.