asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider making all positions for engineers with the Office of Public Works open to Old I.R.A. men, as the present usual limits of 21 to 35 years of age are unfair to these men who have given service to their country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Board of Works Engineers: Old I.R.A. Men.
8.
The age limits to which the Deputy refers are those prescribed for recruitment to the basic engineering grade in the Office of Public Works. These limits have been fixed by reference to what is best suited to meet the requirements of that Office. I would not favour the considerable age extension which would be necessary to meet the Deputy's suggestion, as to make such a change would be to disregard the needs of the Office of Public Works.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider making work available to Old I.R.A. men with a B.E. degree even in a temporary capacity?
We are always inclined to give every possible consideration to Old I.R.A. men when they have the necessary qualifications.