asked the Minister for Finance if it is the policy of the Civil Service that widows formerly in State employment can be reinstated in the grade in which they were employed before marriage, but that deserted wives can be reinstated only on a temporary basis, to their considerable loss in both security and remuneration; if so, why, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deserted Wives in State Service.
37.
Statutory authority exists for the reinstatement in their formers posts of widows who were civil servants before marriage. There is no authority for such reinstatement of deformer posts of widows who were civil servants. It has, however, been the practice, notwithstanding the general policy on the employment of married women in the Civil Service, to employ deserted wives in a temporary capacity where the circumstances so warrant.
The wider question of employing married women in the public service falls within the scope of the Commission on the Status of Women whose report on this matter is awaited.
Is the Minister aware that I recently brought to the notice of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the case of a person who had a judicial separation from her husband and who did not receive any income from him? This woman had been employed for 18 years on a temporary basis at a salary that was £6 per week less than that paid to widows in the same employment. Does the Minister regard this as fair and proper?
I would not be too happy with that situation but I should like to tell the Deputy that this matter has been examined in my Department. I have accepted in principle that those women should be re-employed in an unestablished capacity in the grade in which they served before marriage and on the salary terms which would apply if they were widows. To give effect to this it is necessary for the Civil Service Commission to make appropriate exclusion orders and the commission have been communicated with on this point. I am hopeful that the matter will be settled up on that basis shortly.
There would not be many?
Not too many as far as I know, but I have not got precise figures.