Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 1992

Vol. 415 No. 1

Written Answers. - Oireachtas Typists Recruitment.

Proinsias De Rossa

Ceist:

142 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the number of audio typists employed in the Oireachtas for each of the past five years; if, in view of the workload, any consideration has been given to the recruitment of additional typists especially at peak time; if it is planned to recruit additional typists to deal with the extra workload arising from the planned extension of Dáil sittings to Friday; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

The information on the number of audio typists, sought by the Deputy, is set out below in respect of 1 January for each of the years in question:—

Date	Number
1987	19
1988	19
1989	21
1990	20
1991	18 + 1 job-sharing

The question of the deployment of existing staffing resources or the engagement of additional staff is, in the first instance, a matter for the Ceann Comhairle. However, I understand that a number of recently promoted audio typists may be called upon on occasion to help out in emergencies. The proposed extension of the Dáil sitting to include Fridays should not have any effect on the situation as audio typists work a five day week, including Friday. The current strength is considered adequate in present circumstances.