asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will outline proposals regarding the central purchasing function of the stores branch of his Department after the vesting date of An Post and An Bord Telecom; and the number of personnel involved in transfer arrangements, if any.

From 1 January 1984, which is the proposed vesting date of An Post and Bord Telecom Éireann, the central purchasing function of the stores branch of my Department will be transferred to (1) each individual Department in relation to routine miscellaneous stores; (2) the Department of Defence in relation to vehicles and transport equipment, clothing and communications equipment; and (3) the Office of Public Works in relation to fuel and fuel oil. The number of personnel who may be transferred from the stores branch is not available at this stage. Staff of the stores branch who would be interested in transferring with the central purchasing work have been invited to submit applications. The matter generally is the subject of discussions with the recognised staff organisations.

Will the Minister reconsider his decision in this case? The existing stores branch should be retained as a very effective organ of State. The Minister should reconsider the situation because of the danger of job losses in that section of the Department.

The policy in regard to central purchasing is a matter for the Minister for Finance and the Minister for the Public Service. We operate policy only.

Will the Minister tell the House if it is a fact that the Army, or the Department of Defence, will be the purchasing agent for the Garda in relation to articles of clothing, vehicles and so on? Will that position obtain?

Yes, the Department of Defence in relation to vehicles and transport equipment, clothing and communications equipment for their Department.

Is the Minister implying that the Garda will be in a position to purchase their own vehicles and clothing because that does not appear to be the position indicated in the Minister's original reply?

Each individual Department in relation to routine miscellaneous stores. Prior to this the Department of Posts and Telegraphs was the central purchasing agent.

I am aware of the system that existed.

They are being transferred to each individual Department in relation to routine miscellaneous stores and to the Department of Defence in relation to vehicles and transport equipment, clothing and communications equipment.

Will the Minister answer my supplementary question? Is the Minister telling the House that the Department of Defence and the Army will be the purchasing agent for vehicles and clothes for the Garda Síochána?

That would appear to be the position but the first part of my reply may conflict with that. I will get the information for the Deputy.

Does the Minister not know what is going on in his Department or the changes that have been made?

This is the only change that has been made in recent times.

The Minister should read his brief before he comes to the House.

I knew the Deputy would find some complaint.

It is a bicycle the Minister of State should be given, not a motor car.