asked the Minister for the Public Service the number of public service employees as covered by the budget provision for public service pay and pensions at 31 December in each year 1976 to 1981; and the projected number for December 1982.
Written Answers. - Public Service Employees.
774.
The numbers sought by the Deputy are approximately as follows: 1976, 168,000; 1977, 172,000; 1978, 180,000; 1979, 185,000; 1980, 194,000; 1981, 199,000 (estimated).
As the policy on public service numbers is at present under review, the projected number for December 1982 is not available.
Note— The above figures cover the civil service (industrial and non-industrial), Garda Síochána, Defence Forces (including civilian employees), teachers and health employees.
In addition to the above, the Exchequer pay bill bears a major portion of the pay cost of employees in the non-commercial State bodies, the universities and also of clerical and administrative staffs of vocational education committees.