asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the proposals he has to implement the programme for the employment of 2,000 trainee installers and temporary labourers this year; if the programme has been changed; and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Staff Recruitment.
7.
I assume that what the Deputy has in mind are the 2,000 engineering, telephone operating and other staff referred to in the Investment Plan, 1981. One thousand seven hundred of these have already been recruited and the recruitment of further staff is under consideration.
Let us have the correct information on this question also. The previous Government employed 1,600 installers and we were told yesterday that 300 were taken on this year. I would like to point out to the Minister——
The Deputy should not point out to the Minister. He should ask a question.
Since 21 July this year, when the embargo was applied by the Government, how many advertisements were placed in the local or national papers specifically for trainee installers? Any commitments made prior to 20 July were to be adhered to, but there were to be no new ones. Can the Minister inform me how many advertisements to fill the vacancies for trainee installers have been placed since 21 July, 1981?
I cannot understand Deputy Killilea. If the Deputy wants full information at Question Time I suggest that he put down a comprehensive question when he is tabling one. He asked a question and I have given him the information. If he listens to me I will give him further information, information he has not asked for but which might be enlightening to him. The figure of 2,000 which Deputy Killilea refers to was an estimated figure put forward for consideration at an early date. It was never a hard and fast figure.
What is the hard and fast figure?
The employment to date is as follows. The position in each grade mentioned is that 329 trainee installers have been employed in the provinces against 200 forecast. That is 129 more than forecast. A total of 225 have been employed in Dublin, 25 more than forecast. To date the total is 554 against 400 forecast. Thus, a total of 748 appointments as trainee installers is expected against the 800 forecast when we take the total of the provinces and the city together.
I do not want a lecture.
The Deputy should allow the Minister to reply.
That does not call for any deep inquisition on the part of the Deputy in view of the fact that I have been about three months in the Department.
Will the Minister give us the dates on which those people were employed?
I am sorry, I have not that information.
I make the following allegation that all the people were employed before 21 July when a commitment was given by the previous Government. The Minister has not taken on one other person.
If the Deputy requires that information I will show him the courtesy of my office by having that information made available to him.
It is the Minister's responsibility to answer questions.
If the Deputy wishes to have a question answered he should give written notice so that the information may be available.
Will the Minister of State tell the House if vacancies existing on 21 July, the date of the introduction of the Government embargo on recruitment to the public service, are being filled?
I would need notice of that question.
Now we know the answer. We know now that the embargo exists despite what the Minister said yesterday.
I am calling on the Minister to answer Question No. 8.