asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing regulations, or, if necessary, legislation, to prevent the instant dismissal without notice of employees of State bodies and to ensure that in the case of any dispute the interested parties on both sides are informed of the situation before any action of dismissal of employees is taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employees of State Bodies.
4.
The Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956, governs the management of the Civil Service. Section 5 provides that an established officer holds office at the will and pleasure of the Government. Where the dismissal of an established officer is contemplated, it is the general practice to afford an opportunity to the officer and his staff association to make representations.
Section 6 of the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956, prescribes that a civil servant who is not an established officer may be dismissed by "the appropriate authority". Where written conditions of service apply, it is usual to stipulate that "in the event of misconduct an officer's employment may be terminated at any time without notice and without cause assigned." The procedure adopted varies, but the officer is generally suspended as a first step, and a week's notice of dismissal is usual.
The practice in regard to the dismissal of trade and other classes who do not come under the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956, varies, but dismissal without notice would not normally take place save in the case of misconduct or insubordination.