asked the Minister for Finance if it is intended to grant full political rights to public servants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Servants' Political Rights
108.
In principle, the Government favour removing political restraints on civil servants which are not necessary to protect the public interest. The limitations on political activity by civil servants are receiving careful consideration by the Government and will be dealt with through the normal negotiating machinery.
I would like to ask a question in regard to a particular case and I will give the Minister the particulars of the individual concerned afterwards if he wants them. Some years ago an individual was nominated by an outside nominating body to contest the Seanad election and he was found to be ineligible to so contest because he was described as a Civil Servant. On the other hand, when he was given an appointment by me in the Office of Public Works he was found not to be a civil servant when I left office. Can we reconcile the two things?
We are all aware that there are several anomalies and it is partly with a view to removing anomalies and conflicts, which are unnecessary and sometimes unfair, that the Government are taking a look at the situation. If the Deputy will give me the information to which he refers I will certainly have the matter looked into.
There is another question which might suggest a simple solution to the Minister. Would he agree where a man has a right to strike that he has a right to be engaged in political activity?
That is a separate question.
I was trying to get the divide between where you are a civil servant and where you are not.
The Deputy would need to put down a question to that effect.
As the Deputy appreciates, this is a delicate area which is, I think, best dealt with through the ordinary negotiating machinery with the people primarily concerned, that is the people employed in the public sector. I am sure the point raised by the Deputy is one which can be borne in mind.