Is it true that an extra assistant secretary was appointed to the Department, notwithstanding the public service embargo, and that this post was created to accommodate a former special adviser to the Taoiseach?

That is a separate question. The Deputy's question was in relation to personal contract assistants.

Surely the Minister has the information in his brief? Surely he could extend the courtesy to tell us that an extra position was made in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the position of assistant secretary?

I have not got the information in my brief. It is an entirely separate question and if the Deputy wants a reply he should put down a separate question.

I will do so.