asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if and when he proposes to fill the four Grade B vacancies which have existed for some years past in Sligo Post Office; if he is aware that, because of inadequate staff, the overtime worked daily totals 45 hours, which will be increased to 60 hours daily with the advent of the annual leave period; and also, that, because of conditions brought about by such long working hours, the sick leave among the staff is abnormally high.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vacancies in Sligo Post Office.
Of the four vacancies for post office clerk, Grade B, at Sligo, two have been filled since 8th and 14th April by transferees from other offices. A third has been filled by a temporary officer since 5th April. The fourth will be filled as soon as a qualified officer is available. That will be pretty soon. Since 1st January overtime has averaged 35 hours a day—distributed amongst 19 officers. Sick leave at Sligo Post Office is not abnormally high. There is no evidence that the overtime has affected health, nor have any representations in the matter been received from the staff.
Did I understand the Minister to say that overtime averaged 25 hours a day?
The overtime averages 35 hours a day for a staff of 19.