asked the Minister for External Affairs whether it is a fact that a recent Order of the British Government obliges Irish persons working in England who hold yellow identity cards (temporary residence permits) to relinquish their employment, before June next, in favour of men and women demobilised from the British forces; if so, if he will state whether he has made any representations in regard to this matter, and with what results; and, if not, if he will say whether, in view of the seriousness and urgency of the matter, he will take it up with the British authorities as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Residence Permits of Irish Workers in England.
I have made inquiries and have ascertained that no such Order as the Deputy refers to has been made by the British Government. It is true that the return to civilian employment of persons demobilised from the British forces involves a certain amount of displacement of other workers, since the ex-service man or woman has in law a prior right to employment, including the right to resume the particular job which he or she may have formerly held. I understand, however, that in all such cases the displaced persons, including Irish workers, are offered alternative employment.