andMr. Tully asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether it is proposed to grant Post Office workers the right to join political parties and to stand for local and Dáil elections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post Office Workers' Rights.
119.
Claims to allow staff in certain grades in the Department to become, inter alia, members of political parties and to stand for election to the Dáil and to those local authorities for which they are not at present eligible, are before the Post Office departmental council under the scheme of conciliation and arbitration for the Civil Service. These claims are under consideration. That on behalf of grades represented by the Post Office Workers' Union has been replied to but further consideration is being given to it at the request of the staff side of the council. It would be inappropriate to comment on the claims while they are under consideration by the council.
How long has this claim been before the Post Office departmental council?
There were two claims in May, 1970, and there was one claim in October, 1967.
Would the Minister consider that they seem to be very slow in considering this matter and that a decision could have been expected before now?
I would not.