asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total number of officials employed by the Departments of State and the numbers of these in receipt of total remuneration (a) not exceeding £2 per week, (b) not exceeding £3 per week, (c) not exceeding £4 per week.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - STATISTICAL INFORMATION.
The figures asked for in the question are not available. Information as to the number of persons employed in subordinate capacities at different rates of pay is not necessary for ordinary official purposes, and therefore no returns from which the particulars indicated could be taken are maintained.
Can the Minister give any indication as to whether the figures are likely to be available when the Estimates come up for detailed discussion?
If the Deputy very strongly desires it, they could be available by that time. The point is, that the compilation of a return of this kind would involve a considerable amount of labour. It would mean circularising all the Departments and getting returns, and unless some definite purpose were likely to be served I would not like to promise it.
If it does not involve too much trouble, I should like the Minister to ascertain the figures.