asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that customs officers are of the opinion that there is a bias against them entering other jobs in the public sector; and if he will make a statement in this regard to allay their fears.
Written Answers. - Bias Against Customs Officers.
92.
Under existing arrangements, staff in departmental grades, including those in customs and excise, are generally confined to outlets arising within their own structure. However, in particular circumstances such as those which arose in 1988 where a number of redundancies arose in the higher officer, customs and excise grade, surplus staff, through arrangement with the Department of Finance and agreement with staff unions, were redeployed into the general service and into departmental structures outside Revenue.
93.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will alleviate the fears of customs officers by making a statement regarding their future.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to concerns regarding the position that will obtain in relation to existing Border controls as a result of the Single European Act. At this stage, it is not possible to accurately assess the relevant staffing implications in advance of definite proposals emerging in relation to the completion of the internal market. However, the Revenue Commissioners will be keeping the situation under review in consultation, as appropriate, with the staff interests concerned.