asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will make available the text of the address of the Secretary of his Department to the recent annual conference of postmasters in Bray, County Wicklow; and what statutory or other function was exercised by the Secretary in expressing views on trade union membership.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Departmental Secretary's Statement.
30.
The conference between postmasters and headquarters officers of the Department held at Bray in April last was arranged by the Department, its object, as in the case of previous similar conferences held at intervals of two or three years, being to discuss departmental problems and improve management. It would be contrary to practice to disclose the content of any address or discussion at such a conference, the proceedings of which were private.
Will the Minister say how matters affecting management and administration of the Department can interfere with the rights of postmasters to be members of any trade union or other organisation to which they wish to belong?
I do not think that question arises. Certainly at these conferences which are held periodically, the heads of the Department speak in reference to public relations, staff relations and Departmental policy generally and I do not see how that can be in any way detrimental to any association to which they may belong.
Am I to understand the Minister does not stand over the views given by the Secretary of the Department who told the postmasters in question that they should not be members of this particular organisation?
I do not think he gave any such advice. There would be nothing wrong if he really discussed these matters, but as it happens, I do not think he did.
Then any postmasters who are members of a particular organisation need not feel that they have any reason to worry?
The question does not arise.
Is there any official view on this?
My understanding of it is that these people are adequately provided for in their own associations.