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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Friday, 12 Aug 1927

Vol. 20 No. 20

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EX-NATIONAL ARMY MEN AND PUBLIC POSTS.

asked the President whether it is the intention of the Government to remove now or in the near future the preference given to ex-National Army men when filling positions in Government departments, and also to remove the same preference in so far as it affects employment by local authorities under relief grants.

The position as regards the employment of ex-Army men under Government departments is not identical, as one might infer from the Deputy's question, with that relating to the employment of such men in State-aided works carried out under local authorities. In the latter case the rule governing employment while providing for a preference for ex-Army men admits also of the employment of non ex-Army men and, as a matter of fact, the number in the latter category actually employed is many times the larger. There does not seem to be any sufficient reason for altering the existing rules governing such employment. In the case of subordinate staffs in Government departments recruitment is confined to ex-Army men. The question whether there should be any modification of this regulation is one which has been under consideration for some time, but no decision has yet been reached.

Will the President agree that the system of giving preference to ex-National Army men in employment in Government departments and under local authorities, where State-aided grants are in operation, tends to give a political colour to such employment, inasmuch as only those with certain political leanings are employed? Will the President consider it advisable to remove this political preference, as it is looked upon as such in the country, and thus give greater facilities for improved conditions within the service?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and, as regards the second part, I would prefer to get notice of it.

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