asked the Minister for Labour the number of persons, male and female, who have been recruited under the work experience programme in the Mallow National Manpower administrative area, County Cork for each year since the inception of the scheme.

: The numbers of males and females recruited under the work experience programme by the Mallow office of the National Manpower Service in the years 1978 to 1982 were as follows:

: Can the Minister give a breakdown on the trades, services and professions?

: That information was not requested and I have not got it.

: It is relevant to the question.

: If that information was not sought the Minister may not answer.

: Sir, you know from your experience in this House——

: It does not matter what the Chair knows.

: The Chair appears to be adopting a very arrogant attitude to the Members on this side which I will contest with my colleagues.

: The back-up to the question should be there and what I have asked is relevant to my question.

: The Chair has no control over the way questions are answered.

: That is ridiculous of the Chair.

: Deputy O'Keeffe will withdraw that allegation.

: OK, I will withdraw it.