asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state (a) why the services of Séamus O'Donnell, Kincasslagh, Co. Donegal, an officer under the Fishery Department and Congested Districts Board for 20 years, have been dispensed with, and (b) will the Minister also state why this man has not received a pension.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Official's Services.
The services of Mr. Séamus O'Donnell were no longer required on the setting up of the Sea Fisheries Association of Saorstát Eireann, Limited, by which body I understand he is employed as local agent. Mr. O'Donnell's post was not a pensionable one, but being a transferred officer, he has received compensation for loss of office.
Is the Minister aware that Mr. O'Donnell was engaged by the Congested Districts Board and by the Fishery Department for a period of twenty years? He gave the best years of his life to that work; he was a competent official in every way and it is unreasonable that a man occupying his position should be thrown on the roadside and awarded very little compensation. Perhaps the Minister will reconsider the circumstances of this man's case with a view to giving him a reasonable pension?
The post was not a pensionable one and the only thing that could be done was to award compensation. He was awarded £79 compensation.