Vol. 176 No. 13
asked the Minister for Finance whether any regulations exist whereby the service of established civil servants is extended beyond the normal retiring age in cases where officers have rendered service in the Defence Forces; and, if so, if he will state the conditions under which such service may be extended.
2.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in how many instances the services of established officers in the civil service have been retained beyond the normal retiring age, distinguishing between the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and other Government Departments, and the main reasons for their retention.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The number of civil servants retained beyond the normal retiring age who were serving on 20th July, 1959, and who had, prior to reaching the normal retiring age, been serving in an established capacity was 143; of these, 10 were serving in the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. The figures do not include civil servants retained in an established capacity for short periods not exceeding three months to obtain improved superannuation benefits.
Retention in the cases enumerated was permitted on grounds of public interest, on grounds of hardship or on grounds of national service.
National Service is determined by reference to possession of a certificate under the Military Service Pensions Acts or to the grant of the 1916. Medal or the Service (1917-21) Medal without bar or to service in the Civil Service of Dáil Éireann. Apart from the practice in regard to officers with such service, there are no regulations relating to the retention beyond the normal retiring age of established civil servants who have rendered service in the Defence Force.
Would the Minister indicate whether there is any limit to the period of extended service in the case of those who served in the Defence Forces and who fulfilled the condition to which he referred in his reply? In other words, are they retained for one year, five years or 10 years?
There is no stated limit.
In fact, there is no limit?
No stated limit.
Is it reviewed from time to time?
It is, every year.
