asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if in view of his statement in the Dáil on 22nd May, 1962, that subpostmasters are not required to give personal service he will state who is responsible to his Department during the absence of the subpostmaster for the official cash and stocks in the sub-office.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Responsibility for Cash and Stocks in Sub-Post Offices.
59.
As I stated in reply to the Deputy's Question on 29th May, subpostmasters are responsible for the official cash, stocks of stamps, etc. held by them. This responsibility remains when they are absent from their offices and at all times when, as in the case of very many offices, the day to day business is conducted by assistants.
Is it not a fact, as indicated by the Minister, that subpostmasters must work a 24-hour day for approximately 4d. per hour. Is it not also a fact that a young girl in any State office can get 4/-an hour for a 48-hour week as a trainee telephonist?
These subpostmasters are contractors in a privileged position.
They are not contractors. The Minister for Social Welfare said they were not.
I did not. Of course they are contractors.
They are in a privileged position in the State.
Question No. 60.
May I ask the Minister another supplementary on Question No. 59?
The Deputy did ask one supplementary.
May I ask a second?
(Interruptions.)