asked the Minister for the Public Service the number of trainees now employed in the Civil Service under the work experience programme which commenced in November 1985.

Nine hundred and fifty temporary clerical trainees have now been appointed. The remaining 50 traineeships which are reserved for disabled persons will be filled over the next couple of months.

How many of these people will be permanently employed and who decides on the performance or otherwise?

The arrangement is that the temporary clerical trainees will be employed for a period of one year. They are to be given a training for a period of one year. In the context of that experience both on the job and in off the job training, there will be a special competition in the autumn of this year for trainees who have displayed a particular merit. They will have an opportunity to participate in a competition which would allow them access to a limited number of permanent places within the service.

Would the Minister clear up the question of whether these people will be employed in vacancies which are in the various Departments?

There is a priority question dealing with this matter, Question No. 33.

I cannot ask questions on a priority question, as the Ceann Comhairle will appreciate.

Nobody else can.

Could the Minister say whether these people will be employed in some of the permanent posts available in the Departments and as yet unfilled?

The temporary clerical trainees, if successful in the competition next autumn, will then obtain a permanent position in the service. They would be inducted at whatever level is appropriate into an appropriate vacancy and would become permanent civil servants.

Will they take precedence over people already on panel lists for existing vacancies?

No.

How will the Minister avoid that?

By not giving them precedence.