asked the Minister for Defence whether, as stated by the President of the Organisation of National ex-Servicemen, the Government have decided to amend their policy on employment for ex-servicemen; and, if so, if he will state the date on which the decision was made, and the reasons for the change of policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Ex-Servicemen.
No decision has been taken by the present Government amending the policy regarding the position of ex-members of the Permanent Defence Force in relation to State employment. The second part of the question does not accordingly arise.
I have seen the Press reports of the statement made on the 11th instant by the president of the Organisation of National ex-Servicemen. The decision to which he referred was apparently that taken by the Government early in 1956 providing for the termination of the concessions scheme introduced after the emergency and the bringing into operation, with effect from 1 Aibreán, 1956, of the arrangements at present in force.