asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of non-established civil servants appointed in her Department since 30 June 1981; and if she will give their names, terms of appointment, duties and rate of remuneration in each case.

One such appointment was made other than those made in the normal course (a) as a result of competitions conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners, and (b) to posts listed as Scheduled Occupations in the First Schedule to the Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956 (for example, Cleaner).

The name of the person appointed is Ms. Freda O'Connor. She is employed under an excluding order made by the Civil Service Commissioners under the Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956.

Ms. O'Connor's duties are general duties as Personal Assistant to the Minister for Social Welfare. Her rate of remuneration is £141.88 per week.

The appointment of an adviser to the Minister for Social Welfare and of a personal assistant to the Minister of State is contemplated but the detailed arrangements have not yet been completed.

Arising from the Minister's reply and also from a reply given by the Minister for Health, can the Minister confirm or deny recent newspaper reports to the effect that Councillor Eithne FitzGerald and Mr. Long have been appointed to positions of this nature in her Department?

Ms. Eithne FitzGerald was recently engaged by the Department of Finance on a consultancy basis to work for the Minister of State at the Department of Finance and is also required to carry out certain duties for the Minister for Health and Social Welfare. The appointment of Mr. Long is referred to in the answer but detailed arrangements have not been completed. I will inform the Deputy when such appointments have been made if the Deputy likes.

Can the Minister tell me the duties of and rate of remuneration paid to Councillor FitzGerald?

That question is more appropriate to the Minister for Finance who is responsible for her employment in the first place.

Where are Councillor FitzGerald's offices located?

Ms. FitzGerald works from both offices on occasion.

Will Councillor FitzGerald remain on as a member of Dublin County Council?

I do not have that information and do not think it is relevant.