Mr. Robert Watt:

Generally, we have a demographic issue in the wider public service and certainly in the Civil Service. The median age Deputy Deasy referred to is broadly the correct figure. We are in the process of transitioning. Many colleagues who were recruited in the 1970s during a period of expansion are retiring and moving out. We are now in a position where we can recruit again. We are starting to recruit across the grades, from clerical officer, executive officer, administrative officer and assistant principal officer - in fact, right across the Civil Service. We do not have a problem when it comes to generalised recruitment. Our pay rates are competitive. We have had applicants in competitions held recently. We have been happy with the quality of the applicants and the people we have placed on panels. They are excellent people. In my Department, the recruits we have taken on in recent years have been fantastic people.