asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the uncertainty of the status and conditions of employment of those employed as secretarial assistants to Deputies; if he will consider the introduction of a contract which would give them security of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Secretarial assistance for Members of the Dáil who are not office holders has been provided since 1975. The secretarial assistants, who are nominated by the parliamentary parties and individual Deputies, are employed in a temporary capacity on a fee basis. However, they have an incremental scale and get annual leave and payment for sick absence.

The position of these assistants is being considered in consultation with the Department of the Public Service. Legislation will be required in relation to their employment and the terms and conditions of their employment can be debated in the House in that context.

Could the Minister indicate who the employers of these secretarial assistants are? Are they the Department of the Public Service or any Department?

As I have said, they are nominated by the parliamentary parties and individual Deputies, and that is the arrangement that applies at the moment. As I said, we are considering legislation in regard to the terms and conditions of employment and that legislation will be brought forward as soon as possible.

In view of the insecurity, could the Minister say when legislation will be introduced to allay the fears of these people.

Much as I would like to, I cannot give a precise date. There will have to be a number of discussions before we decide on the terms of the legislation.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.