With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 24 and 25 together.
In regard to 1970 the cost in respect of the Minister was £15.74 and in respect of the Parliamentary Secretary £114.74. For the present year the estimated cost is £11 and £65 respectively.
The cost of postage cannot be calculated as, in accordance with longstanding practice, the envelopes are franked and issued as part of the ordinary Departmental post.
It is not possible to divorce any part of the official time spent by the staff concerned in the dispatch of Christmas cards from the rest of their official time and, accordingly, the number of hours involved cannot be calculated.