asked the Minister for Labour if he has any proposals for the appointment of additional employment equality officers to strengthen the service; and, if so, when the appointments will be made.

The number of equality officers was increased from three to five early this year. I am satisfied that the number is adequate to cope with the present volume of work. The need for additional equality officers will be kept under review.

Can the Minister say how many vacancies there are at present in the area for equality officers?

The full staff complement of the service has become available only recently with the appointment of a second assistant principal equality officer in February 1981 and two HEO level appointments in March and April 1981. Prior to this the staffing level had been one asistant principal on a permanent basis and three HEOs on short-term assignments and one of these HEOs returned to the Department when the short-term assignment expired early in the year.

Is the Minister satisfied that they have sufficient staff to carry out the work they are doing? Could we have his word that there will be no embargo on recruitment in this area? It is very important now that we have all the facilities possible and enough staff to do the work.

I am satisfied that the staffing is adequate. If further staff are required the matter will be given further consideration.