asked the Minister for Local Government if it is proposed to transfer the administration of the special employment schemes to their respective local authorities; and, if so, if existing staffs will adequately be safeguarded either with pension rights or with continuity of employment with the local authorities who take over.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Employment Schemes.
25.
The answer to the first part of the question is "yes." Particulars of the proposed transfer were given in my reply to Question No. 10 on 15th June, 1967.
I have been fully aware of the anxiety of the staffs hitherto employed by the Special Employment Schemes Office and, in the circular which I caused to be issued on 14th August last, county councils were requested to give priority in the recruitment of gangers and other supervisory workers to persons formerly employed by that office. I also said that lists of such persons would be furnished to the councils in due course. I consider it to be of primary importance that men with long service should not suffer as a result of the transfer.
Non-pensionable employees who have the requisite length of service and whose employment by the State is terminated because of the transfer of the work of the SESO to the local authority will receive any benefits by way of gratuity for which they may be eligible under the Superannuation Acts. These benefits will be payable irrespective of whether or not the employee concerned is re-employed by the local authority on the schemes. Alternatively such employees may be eligible for benefits under the national redundancy scheme when applicable.
The permanent staff affected by the transfer will as far as possible be transferred to other suitable public employment. Any permanent staff not so transferred will be granted any benefits for which they may be eligible under the Superannuation Acts.