asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will confirm the offers of redundancy made to telephonists in Castlerea telephone exchange, County Roscommon, by his Department will be offered at the same rate by Bord Telecom Éireann after the vesting date; the redundancy offered to telephonists; and if he will ensure that they will not be at any disadvantage by not accepting this offer before the vesting date.
Written Answers. - Castlerea (County Roscommon) Telephonists.
256.
I can confirm that the terms of the agreement relating to the position of staff who are affected by the closure of manual telephone exchanges will be open to the staff in question and will be adhered to by Bord Telecom Éireann after vesting date unless the bord and the unions concerned reach agreement on some alternative arrangements; the agreement provides for the payment of compensation to staff who opt to terminate their appointments at the rate of six weeks' pay per year of service subject to a minimum payment of twelve weeks' pay and a maximum payment of two years' pay. Staff will not be at any disadvantage in regard to their entitlements under this agreement after vesting day.