asked the Minister for the Public Service the personnel who have been specifically hired by Ministers since their accession to office, either by direct contract or on secondment from other organisations, including semi-State bodies; and the total number, salary range and terms and conditions relating to those people employed.

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in a statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

Ministerial appointments made in the period from 5 July 1977 to date.