Vol. 258 No. 14
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that members of the FCA who have volunteered for security duty could be in danger of losing their full-time employment; and if he will clarify the position particularly in relation to State and semi-State employment.
85.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is prepared to issue a general recommendation to employers concerning the maintenance of the conditions of employment by employers of those members of the FCA who volunteer for security duties.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.
The engagement of members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil on security duties should not cause them to lose their civilian employment or affect the conditions of such employment. If the Deputies are aware of any case in which there is a danger of the civilian employment being affected in any way, I will be glad to have it investigated.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if any directive or any advice issued by the Government to employers so that the employment of these people can be safeguarded?
There has not, to the best of my knowledge, but no complaints on this matter have been received by the military authorities.
Are the Government depending on the goodwill of the employers? Have no arrangements been made so far to try to avoid unpleasantness?
I would imagine that any Irishman employing another Irishman who goes on duty on behalf of the nation would have the patriotism——
Apart from patriotic Irishmen, the Parliamentary Secretary must be aware that a number of foreigners have businesses here and they might not see the point he is making.
If the Deputy has any case in mind the Minister has indicated that he will have it investigated for him or for any Deputy in the House.
I understand that something happened in Cork city.
I would be most anxious on behalf of the Minister to give an undertaking in that respect.
