asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs why men over fifty years of age were refused employment by his Department in the Macroom area. County Cork, during the past few weeks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post Office Employment in Macroom.
52.
The temporary staff taken on recently for work in the Macroom area were selected from a list of men nominated by the local Employment Exchange. I understand that, normally. Exchanges do not nominate men over 50 years of age for such work when suitable men under that age are available.
Could the Minister say why? What is wrong with a man over 50 years?
It is hardly a matter for the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs. The employment exchanges do not nominate men over 50 unless they can lay claim to approved national service or there are no suitable candidates within the prescribed limit.
If he is over 50 and has national service, he is all right?
Certain approved national service.
Approved service is right. Service in the Army that set up this State would not qualify for any work.
If an established civil servant aged 59 wanted to retire on pension, he would not be allowed to retire; but in other fields the Department say they will not take anybody over 50.
This is for temporary casual work.
Who is going to feed the fellow over 50?