asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that Mr. John Rynne, a postman at Ennistymon, County Clare, who has given 25 years of faithful service to the Department, has now been deprived of his position in consequence of his undergoing a serious operation, and that his son, who was acting for him in a temporary capacity, has been dismissed and replaced by a man having an income of £10 weekly; and whether, in the circumstances, he proposes to give Mr. John Rynne any compensation or gratuity in respect of his long and meritorious service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ex-Postman's Claim to Gratuity.
Mr. Rynne's services were terminated because he was medically certified as permanently unfit for the duties of his post.
Mr. Rynne's son was employed in a temporary capacity pending the filling of the vacant post. There were four applicants for the vacancy and an ex-Army man with a young family was appointed.
In view of the part-time nature of Mr. Rynne's former employment, he is ineligible for a pension or any other award under the Superannuation Acts. There is, however, a special fund at my disposal for affording assistance, on retirement, to certain grades of officers who are in necessity and Mr. Rynne will be considered for a grant from the fund. He did not apply for a grant from this fund subsequent to his retirement.
If Mr. Rynne now applies for a grant will the Minister consider his application favourably?
We always consider favourably any claims that are made.