asked the Minister for Transport 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.

(Cavan-Monaghan): The following are the relevant particulars in respect of non-established civil servants appointed to my Department since 30 June 1981 other than those (a) appointed as a result of competitions conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners, (b) arising in the normal course of promotions, (c) appointed to posts listed as scheduled occupations in the first schedule to the Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956.

Mr. Thomas Ferris has been seconded from the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society on a temporary basis to a newly-created post of senior economist in the Department pending the filling of the post by means of an open competition to be conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners. He is working in the planning unit of the Department advising, inter alia, on economic aspects of transport policy issues. His salary will be that appropriate to the grade of senior economist, that is, £13,308 to £16,893.

At what point in the scale will this senior economist be appointed?

(Cavan-Monaghan): His salary in his existing post is £14,580.

That is not what I asked.

(Cavan-Monaghan): It is not in my brief but there is not a very wide gap between the bottom and the top of the scale. I will find out for the Deputy and send the information to him.

Would the Minister agree that the gap is not small? It is approximately £3,500. I am surprised that he has not got the information on his file.

(Cavan-Monaghan): The Deputy may take it I have not got the information. If he wants it, I will send it to him.

Perhaps the Minister will give the information to the House as soon as possible.