asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether any instructions have been issued to employment exchanges prescribing a maximum age in respect of the employment of persons on temporary work in the Post Office; and, if so, if he will state the nature of the instructions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post Office Temporary Work.
No special instructions have been issued to local officers of my Department regarding employment in the Post Office. Instructions have, however, been issued that as a general rule persons over the age of 50 years should not be submitted for subordinate posts in the Government service unless special circumstances exist which would justify departure from the general rule.
Would the Minister say why, if the State feels obliged to decline employment to persons over 50 years of age, a private employer should be expected to employ such people?
I understand it arises from the fact that in unestablished posts of this kind it takes 15 years' service before they are entitled to a gratuity, but there have been cases where special circumstances have arisen and where those people have been employed.
Is this intended to mean, then, that in future no person over 50 years of age, no matter how distressing his circumstances may be, and no matter how meritorious his application may be, can secure employment, even on temporary work, in the Government service?
That is not so at all. Where there are special circumstances——
He must have very special circumstances.
I did not say "very."
He must have special circumstances, but normally he will not be employed if over 50 years of age?
I do not want to be taken as saying that.