(1) What is the current (a) vacancy rate and (b) time lines for all vacancies to be filled; (2) what (a) is the current need for highly skilled professionals and (b) action has been taken to solve the problem of the need for highly skilled professionals in his depart-ment; (3) what (a) contributory role will his department play with regard to the Infrastructure Programme as announced by the President in the SONA and (b) plans are in place to eradicate the shortage of technical staff; (4) what (a) progress has been made with contributing to the Infrastructure Programme and (b) challenges have been encountered thus far?