Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I wish to concentrate on the position from today onwards. I understand from the Taoiseach's responses to the questions that if he or any of his Ministers is of a mind to employ additional political advice or additional staff in their offices, they are free to do so and that whatever decisions have been made by the Government, do not apply to the employment of staff in ministerial offices or in the Taoiseach's Department.

What is the position from today onwards with regard to the replacement of the categories of staff to which I have referred? If one of those staff leaves, will he or she be replaced or is there an embargo or restriction on the replacement of such staff, particularly arising from whatever decisions the Taoiseach has made today and which he is not prepared to share with the House just now anyway?

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