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

Miss Marie Mates and Miss Sally Clarke have been appointed as personal assistants in my private office under an excluding order granted by the Civil Service Commissioners. Their remuneration is based on the executive officer and clerical officer salary scales respectively. The appointments are in a temporary whole-time capacity and will terminate at a date not later than that on which the Government ceases to hold office.

In addition, a vacant post of cleaner in my Department has been filled by a temporary whole-time appointment.

May I take it that the individuals to whom the Minister referred are currently on secondment from Wicklow County Council.

No, and when we come to another question, I might answer that.

Are any of the people mentioned in the Minister's reply related in any way to members of the Government or to any members of either party in Government?

Not to my knowledge.