asked the Minister for the Public Service the number of public service staff employed at locations in Dublin City (a) with 1 years service or less; (b) with 2 years service or less; (c) with 3 years service or less, who have received transfers to different parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The majority of transfer applications, within the Civil Service, to centres outside Dublin are from staff in the clerical grades. It is a matter for each Department to deal with them in accordance with arrangements agreed at general council under the conciliation and arbitration scheme. Records of the total numbers of transfers are not kept by my Department.

In relation to my Department and the Civil Service Commission the following are the details of transfers since 1 January 1982. Department of the Public Service — Nil; Civil Service Commission — 4; 1 officer received a transfer with one years service or less; 2 officers received transfers with two years service or less; 1 officer received a transfer with three years service or less.

Has the Minister figures for other sectors of the public service not under his control?

No.

Is there a possibility of ascertaining the figures? How do we get the figures if we cannot get them by putting down a parliamentary question?

If the Deputy addressed a question to the relevant Ministers he would be able to establish that. From our point of view there is no point in centralising information which is no use to us.

I presume the Minister for the Public Service has ultimate control of all transfers in the public service?

No. The arrangements are left to each Department to deal with in accordance with the arrangements which are entered into with the staff side at conciliation and arbitration. The arrangements vary in relation to departmental grades, different areas and so on.

A final supplementary.

Is the Minister aware that in certain sectors or areas within the public service it is easier to get transfers?

I am not so aware. If the Deputy were a little more explicit I might be able to answer the question more fully.