asked the Minister for Energy the appointments made by him to his Department since his appointment as a member of Government, the names of those appointed, the nature of each post and salary attached thereto and if such appointments have been made from within the public service or elsewhere.

The following are the relevant particulars in respect of appointments in my Department since my present appointment as member of the Government other than those (a) made as a result of competitions conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners (b) arising in the normal course of promotions and (c) made to posts listed as scheduled occupations in the First Schedule to the Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956.

I appointed Mr. Barry Early and Miss Una Colivet as my Special Assistant and Personal Assistant respectively.

Mr. Early is at present being paid £14,051 per annum while Miss Colivet is in receipt of £6,739.

Both Mr. Early and Miss Colivet had already served in these capacities in the Department of Finance.

I know this supplementary does not relate strictly to the question but I am sure the Minister will understand why I am asking it. Will he tell the House if any significant appointments have been made lately to the Irish National Petroleum Corporation? I am referring to the appointment of experts.

That is a separate question. The Deputy will get an opportunity of asking that question under another heading.

In case there may be any misunderstanding about the matter, I should like to make it clear that any such appointments that might have been made were not made by me.

I understand that.

There is a board——

——and a different Minister.