I move:

That a sum not exceeding £6,501,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 1982, for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for the Public Service and for payment of a grant-in-aid.

It is very appropriate that a similar question be asked on this Estimate. Is it anticipated that this Department will be asked to make savings? The only Department that has been identified so far is the Department of the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach clearly indicated that he anticipated achieving a saving in his Department by way of staff savings. It is unfortunate that this Minister does not have as much information as the Taoiseach had and is not in a position to say where the savings will be made. In the case of this Estimate it is particularly appropriate that he indicate if savings will be achieved and, if so, if it will be in the area of staff.

This is one of the Departments in which economies are being sought and staff savings would come under that heading.