asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether his attention had been directed to the report of a speech by Mr. M.J. Kennedy, T.D., Mullingar, which appeared in the Irish Press of the 10th December, to the effect that all men in Government positions, including the Post Office, who were trying to upset the Government by not meeting their obligations, would be compelled to do so; whether it is true that members of the Post Office staff are endeavouring to upset the Government by not meeting their obligations; and, if so, whether he will state the names, official rank and offices of employment of those who are alleged to be engaged in this conspiracy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post Office Staff.
My attention has been directed to the report in question.
While I have no information as regards the Post Office officials who have failed to meet their obligations in the respect mentioned, I believe that the number is small and the cases isolated.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will he indicate how many cases of this kind have been brought to his notice and what is the total strength of the Post Office staff?
Mr. Boland
There has been only one case of this kind brought to my notice. I am not prepared to say offhand what is the strength of the staff. I should require notice of that question.
The Minister will not deny that out of a total staff of 10,000 only one case has been brought to his notice—I take it that case has not yet been decided—and that it is on that one undecided case this general accusation is made against the Post Office staff?
Is that a question?
Am I right in asking the Minister whether I can take it now that there is no justification for this general charge against the Post Office staff?
Mr. Boland
I do not think the Deputy concerned made a general charge. Possibly, he had some local case in mind.
Is there not as much justification for this general charge as for most of the general charges which proceed from Fianna Fáil Deputies?
Mr. Boland
That is very clever.