asked the Minister for the Public Service the steps taken to notify persons joining the public service of their rights in relation to political activity and the restrictions on such rights; whether such notification includes a circular dated 1932 and originally issued by the Minister for Finance of that date; and if he will place a copy of this circular or any similar circular in the Library of the Houses of the Oireachtas indicating which of its provisions are currently in force.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Servants Rights.
67.
The original regulations restricting the involvement of civil servants in political activity were outlined in circulars (Nos. 23/25 and 21/32) issued by the Department of Finance. Following changes which were the subject of a Government announcement in 1974, a supplementary Circular (No. 22/74) was issued by my Department. These three circulars, together with the Government announcement of 1974, outline the arrangements currently in force. The arrangements are also summarised in a reply to a question by Deputy Treacy in March 1979. Arrangements will be made to have these documents placed in the Oireachtas Library, as the Deputy requests.
As a normal part of the induction process in the civil service generally, new entrants are advised by personnel branches of the basic conditions attaching to their employment in the civil service, including the arrangements governing involvement in politics.
Could the Minister say if this series of circulars represents his Department's final word on the matter, or if his Department have under consideration any extension of political freedom accorded to public servants?
There are ongoing discussions in my Department. These were summarised and given by me in the House in a reply of 28 May 1980 to Deputy Horgan. I cannot add any more to my reply.