The annualised remuneration of non-established staff in my own private and constituency offices and in the offices of the Ministers of State at my Department are detailed in my answers to previous parliamentary questions asked by the Deputy in this matter. In particular, I refer the Deputy to Question No. 57 of 25 March 1997 and Question No. 77 of 22 January 1997. The situation is unchanged since then save in respect of the increases due to all staff under the national pay agreements. The comparative figures for 1993 and 1987 are contained in the answers to the following parliamentary questions:
— Question No. 6 of 30 October 1996 (Deputy Callelly)
— Question No. 1 of 24 March 1993 (Deputy Gilmore)
— Question No. 43 of 14 October 1987 (Deputy De Rossa)
The answers to the more recent questions include information on the civilian drivers assigned to the Ministers of State. Although they are not mentioned in the earlier answers, I am assured that the appointments and salary arrangements were made in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines.