asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that a large number of unestablished postmen in West Cork will soon retire under the age limit; that owing to the peculiar circumstances of their employment they cannot hope for pensions; and whether he will consider the introduction of some scheme whereby the existing regulations may be altered so as to enable these men to secure a pension on retiring from the service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retirement of Cork Postmen.
The position of unestablished postmen in regard to pensions was dealt with in the recent debate on the private members' motion about sub-postmasters and auxiliary postmen. As I then indicated, to qualify for a pension under existing legislation, an officer must be in possession of a Civil Service certificate. The question of altering this requirement is a matter for consideration in relation to the Civil Service as a whole, not merely in relation to unestablished postmen. I see little prospect of any change being made in present practice within any foreseeable time.
Has the Minister at any time made exceptions in the matter?
No.