I propose to take Questions Nos. 677 and 678 together.
The press office in my Department is currently staffed by the following personnel: one assistant principal officer; one administrative officer; one executive officer; and one clerical officer.
Overtime payments are made to staff up to and including the grades of higher executive officer and administrative officer, as set out in Department of Finance circular 27/99 in respect of additional attendance at work before or after normal hours.
Assistant principal officers do not qualify for overtime payments. In 2005 an ex gratia payment of €3,300 has been approved for the assistant principal officer in the press office in respect of an exceptional performance award. I can confirm there are no staff in my press office in receipt of additional allowances for being on-call.