asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of (a) permanent, whole-time, pensionable postmen and (b) temporary, auxiliary postmen in his employment and of the former the percentage who have been fully "appointed".

As the number of temporary postmen employed varies from day to day, the information as sought by the Deputy is not readily available. The number of permanent, whole-time and pensionable posts of postmen is 3,665 and the great majority of these posts are filled by established officers; the current complement of posts of auxiliary postmen is 1,265 and all such posts are filled by temporary and unestablished officers.

248.

andMr. Keating asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will give the following information in respect of the areas served by post offices at Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth and Naas in County Kildare; (a) the number of (i) permanent and (ii) auxiliary postmen; (b) the number of the electorate of their catchment areas; and (c) the number of electorate per postman in each town.

There are three auxiliary postmen at Celbridge, two full-time and two auxiliary postmen at Leixlip, two full-time and one auxiliary postman at Maynooth, and 14 full-time postmen at Naas.

No record is maintained by my Department which would enable the information sought regarding the number of the electorate in the catchment areas or the number of electorate per postman in each town to be given.