asked the Minister for Health the number of administrative staff employed in the health service in each of the past ten years; and the percentage these figures represent of total staff employed in the health service.

The information is not available in the form requested. Figures are available for the years 1971, 1974 and 1977 in respect of staffing of health boards and voluntary hospitals and the relevant information is contained in a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I will have circulated with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

* The figures relate to staff above the clerical officer grade.