asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the number of established supervising officers over 65 years of age who have been retained in the service, and if he will indicate in each case the reasons for their retention.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retention of Supervising Officers.
There are two such officers. Each is particularly competent and experienced and his services were retained beyond the normal age, because no suitable successor was readily available, and also because a revision of duty and scale of salary was in contemplation. This revision has been carried out in one of the cases and the officer concerned retires next month.
Will the Minister say when the other case is likely to be reviewed?
I could not say.
Will the Minister ensure that it is reviewed in view of the fact that the officer in question has been very exceptionally treated compared with other officers in the service?
The officer concerned is familiar over a long number of years with the personnel of the uniformed and cleaning staff of the General Post Office building. He is also in close touch with the details of the arrangements made for the various emergency services. Having regard to the importance of the General Post Office and Broadcasting Station from the point of view of national defence, the Department would not contemplate making a change at present which might in any way impair the carrying out of these vital arrangements.
What will happen when he dies?