asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he can state the number of employees of all grades in the service of his Department in Dublin who have been paid overtime during the present month; the amount of such overtime; and whether, in view of the number of competent unemployed in the country, he will consider the advisability, from the point of view of economy, as well as from the point of view of relieving unemployment, of discontinuing this practice.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - OVERTIME IN POST OFFICE.
On an average 2,300 hours overtime is worked weekly in the several Post Office branches in Dublin by 690 employees out of a staff of 2,600. Generally overtime is due to special causes, is not constant or recurring, and oftentimes cannot be anticipated.
About 500 temporary hands are already employed in Dublin, and our policy is to employ temporary hands in lieu of overtime where this is possible.