asked the Taoiseach if he will state whether his attention was directed to Press reports of a speech which the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs delivered in Waterford in which he is stated to have said that when the crisis has passed the Government and local authorities will give preference in the making of appointments to members of the Local Defence Force; whether this statement represents the policy of the Government, and whether he will indicate the measures contemplated for giving effect to the undertaking.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Force and Public Appointments.
I have seen Press reports of the speech by the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs referred to in the Deputy's question. The possibility of securing preference in employment after the emergency for members of the Defence Forces and auxiliary defence organisations has been under consideration by the Government and, whilst it is not possible at this stage to make any definite statement, it may be assumed that the Government will be disposed to encourage employers to give preference so far as may be reasonably practicable to men who have had service in the various defence organisations and, similarly, so far as may be reasonably practicable and consonant with the public interest, to secure that an example will be set in this regard in appointments to posts in the public service and in the service of the local authorities.