400 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil servants in his Department in receipt of a full salary and by whom no work has been undertaken in the past month; the cost of employing these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13488/07]

Four civil servants in my Department who are in receipt of full salary have not been available for work in the past month. Two of the officers in question are absent on certified sick leave and two on maternity leave. These arrangements are in line with well-established terms and conditions governing employment in the Civil Service.