asked the President if he is aware that a large number of British ex-Service nonpermanent Government clerks transferred by the Imperial Government to the Irish Provisional Government under the Transfer of Functions Order, 1922, have received warning notices of discharge to hold themselves in readiness for dismissal at short notice, and if he will take immediate steps to have the operation of the Department of Finance Circular, 38/27 of the 31st December, 1927, suspended pending the findings of the Committee appointed by the Government to inquire into the grievances of British ex-Servicemen.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - BRITISH EX-SERVICE TEMPORARY GOVERNMENT CLERKS.
In common with all other temporary clerks the men in the category referred to in the question have been given warning notice of discharge. I am not aware that the number of men so notified is large and in any case the discharge of temporary clerks will be a slow process graduated to the ascertained personal circumstances of the individuals affected. The original terms of temporary engagement of the men referred to in the question were on the same footing as those of all other temporary clerks. They were given the same opportunity of permanent retention as was given to all other temporary clerks who were in the service at the change of Government and any action for their discharge will proceed strictly in accordance with the terms of their engagement. The official circular of the 31st December, 1927, merely continues the procedure for discharge which has been in operation for several years past. The warning notice is a special concession to which temporary clerks were not entitled under the terms of their engagement. I am not aware by what date the Committee of Inquiry will report, but while it is unlikely that any actual discharges of temporary clerks in any category will take place before the end of March, I am unable to agree that the general arrangements for discharge of temporary staffs should be suspended as suggested.