(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Labour the number of staff in his Department by grade and location; and if he will report on the major functions within his Department.

On 31 December 1985 there were 841 authorised posts in the Department of Labour. Of these, 201 posts were filled by staff employed in offices outside the Dublin region.

The major functions for which the Department of Labour are responsible are:

1. Manpower policy including National Manpower Service and work creation schemes.

2. Safety, health and welfare.

3. Industrial relations, equality legislation and new legislation

4. International organisations, conditions of employment, redundancy and insolvency.

I propose to circulate more detailed information in relation to the first part of the question in tabular form in the Official Report and in regard to both parts of the question, I would like to refer the Deputy to the Official Report in respect of 4 February 1986 (columns 1412 to 1415) in which further relevant details are outlined.

Department of Labour.

Staffing of offices outside Dublin Region.

Table A: National Manpower Service by Region.

Table B: Industrial Inspectorate by Office