asked the Minister for Finance whether the scheme of employment of temporary clerical trainees has been brought to an end; and, if so, the reason.

In the light of the general curtailment of recruitment to the Civil Service, temporary clerical trainees will not be recruited in 1988. The reasons for the policy on recruitment were set out in my budget speeches of 31 March 1987 and 27 January 1988. As regards 1989 and subsequent years, decisions on TCT recruitment will be taken at the appropriate time.