asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that many postmen are without adequate protective clothing, and that some of them are without uniforms, and if he will endeavour to expedite the issue to these postmen of adequate protective clothing and uniforms, as during the present inclement weather the work of the postmen is sufficiently hard without the additional burden of inadequate clothing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protective Clothing for Postmen.
Every postman who is entitled to uniform is supplied with it when he is certified as requiring it. When the uniforms are no longer serviceable there is no delay in regard to replacement. Certain officers whose duties involve an attendance of less than three hours a day are not entitled to uniform but are supplied with suitable protective clothing; perhaps the Deputy has some of these officers in mind.
As regards protective clothing, which is in very short supply, the position for some time past was that stocks of certain items, namely capes and leggings, were almost exhausted and full normal replacements could not be made. Some fresh stocks have recently been procured, however, and every possible effort is being made to expedite issues where required.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I understand that the main difficulty in respect of the supply of protective clothing, which is the most important aspect of this matter, arises out of the fact that there is difficulty in securing supplies from the manufacturers and will the Minister cause inquiries to be made as soon as possible with a view to expediting deliveries from the manufacturers?
I understand that every effort is being made to expedite deliveries.