Patrick McCartan
Ceist:11 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach the number of staff vacancies in the National Museum; the grades involved; when they will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Staff Vacancies in National Museum.
The following posts were vacated in the last year through promotion, secondment, retirement, resignation or career break: (a) 1 keeper; (b) 1 graphic artist; (c) 2 technical assistants; (d) 1 attendant; (e) 1 cleaner. Arrangements are in hands to fill posts of graphic artist, attendant, cleaner and technical assistant. The keeper vacancy arises through the temporary secondment of the officer. The precise arrangements to fill the post in his absence are at present under discussion with the relevant parties.
I do not know why the Minister of State confined his answer to 1991 only as my question was not confined to that year. I am sure the Minister of State deduced that most of these questions were prompted by the recent publication of a report on the 1989 position which highlights the problem.
Ceisteanna, please.
Is the Minister of State aware that, since 1983, the position of senior technician in the antiquities section has remained vacant? Is he aware that, as a result of shortage of staff, there is a serious deficiency in the areas of research and publication? Will he accept that there is a major problem in regard to staff at the National Museum which needs to be addressed — not just in respect of last year — but in respect of the last decade, if not longer?
Of course I understand the present situation in regard to employment. However, I said that arrangements are in hand to fill some posts, which I specified. I ask the Deputy to accept that I made a positive statement in regard to doing something about the situation. I am aware that there have been staffing problems but at least I am responding positively to the points the Deputy made.
If the Minister wants me to appreciate his work perhaps he will give the information asked for in the question, which was in relation to the number of staff vacancies in the National Museum.
I have a list of vacancies here under the State Directory 1991 and if the Deputy wants me to go through them I will be glad to do so.
How many vacancies are there?
There are vacancies in respect of keeper, graphic artist and technical assistants. There are now 66 staff members in the museum, there has been a decline over the last ten years. The official levels are published in the State Directory 1991.
A final question from Deputy McCartan.
I am sorry if I appear unduly ungracious in relation to the Minister of State. However, having asked a number of questions I have now been told the staff levels. Given the establishment for the institution, will the Minister of State say now how many short of the expected normal complement of staff the number 66 refers to?
Repetition is a luxury we cannot afford at Question Time.
Will you let the Minister of State reply?
I will give him the opportunity.
I do not normally respond to arrogant questions. If the Deputy has specific questions he can table them.
What I wanted to know is contained in the first line of my question. This is not a fair way to treat a responsible question.