asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Great Southern and Western Railway Company are asking men who joined the R. P. and M. Corps in Cork, when applying for reinstatement to their old positions on the railway, to undergo a medical examination, although General Dalton gave these men an assurance that when position on railways reopened the men might return to same if they wished.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - REINSTATEMENT OF CORK RAILWAYMEN.
I am informed by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company that it is its general practice, when re-engaging men who have been off duty for any length of time, to have a medical examination at the Company's expense. From the point of view of the public this appears to be a reasonable safeguard.
It is not at the Company's expense the examination is held. The Company merely issues railway passes to the men applying for examination. The men applying for examination must go up to Dublin and spend two or three days there——
This is not a question.
I want to correct the Minister's statement.
It must be done by some other method.
I would like to ask the Minister is he aware that the statement made by the Company is not entirely true, and if the men must pay their own living expenses when coming to Dublin? These men are drawing unemployment benefit, and they must lose that unemployment benefit when they go cut of their native place—Cork City in this instance—when they have to attend this Medical Board. I would also ask the Minister is he aware that a great tribute was paid to these men by the Assistant Minister for Industry and Commerce, Professor Whelehan, on Tuesday evening last, when he said that it was due in a great measure to their efforts that the trains were enabled to run?
The Deputy is making a speech now.
I am not personally aware of any of these things.
I would like to ask the Minister is he aware of the promise made by General Dalton that these men could resume their employment when their Army work was finished?
I am not aware of that. I think the Deputy should put down a further question.