asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of postmen who have become redundant following the introduction of the motorised postal delivery service; the total cost of the reorganisation to date; and whether it is proposed to pay any compensation to the redundant postmen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundant Postmen.
2.
The number of postman posts suppressed to date under the current scheme for the motorisation of rural delivery services is approximately 190. The men displaced were either taken on in a temporary capacity pending the introduction of motorised services or were over 65 years of age. The question of redundancy payments would not therefore normally arise. However, as indicated in a previous reply to the Deputy, this question is being considered in conjunction with proposed legislation for redundancy payments and resettlement allowances generally.
The total cost figure requested by the Deputy is not readily available. However, the bulk of the cost of a capital nature involved has been incurred in the purchase of vehicles. This has amounted to £115,000 approximately since 1st April, 1963. The saving on the schemes introduced since then, on the basis of average costs over a number of years, is estimated at over £40,000 a year.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell us the approximate length of time the temporary postmen were employed?
There were a number of them, stretching from months up to about six years.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, as a result of this scheme, a number of people have failed to secure employment or have been thrown out of employment? I refer to such persons as small farmers, small shopkeepers and others who had part-time employment as postmen at wages of £6, £7 or £8 a week, which was a very useful supplement to their income from their small business, holding or other occupation?
That is not necessarily quite so. The position is that no appointed person has been thrown out of employment due to motorisation. It is only when permanent vacancies arise that motorisation is introduced and, in fact, temporary jobs over a very short period are held down on a part-time basis until motorisation is introduced.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary feel that the Government have no responsibility towards people who have been employed for a period of six years?
I did not say that.
Then they have a responsibility towards these people?
No doubt, the Government would not dream of disclaiming responsibility for employment generally.
Are we to take it that it is only those people who were employed for six years or less on a temporary basis who will be affected?
Yes; only people employed on a temporary basis are affected.
For a period of six years?
How temporary can you get?
In the case of persons employed in a permanent way, fullyfledged postmen, their position is actually improved.
Is it only those who have been temporarily employed for six years or less who will be affected?
Only temporarily employed people are presently affected.
For a period of six years?
In most cases a period of even less than that.
Can I take it as six years?
Yes, generally.