asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state (1) whether a chief inspector of his Department who reached the limiting retiring age two years ago and who then vacated his position, is to be given a further extension of his service; and, if so, at what salary; (2) the considerations that induced him to make a concession in this case, and (3) if the precedent of extending the services of senior officers is to be maintained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Public Official's Service.
As to (1) and (2) of the Deputy's question, the position is that this officer was re-employed, following his retirement in normal course, to deal with some special work of a transitory nature arising out of the then pending wider scheme of social insurance and affecting an outdoor service of my Department of which he had been in charge. He receives a fee of £50 a month.
There was no question of a "concession" to this officer. His services were sought by the Department in the circumstances then obtaining, in the interests of the Department.
A decision has not yet been taken as to whether it will be necessary to consider retaining his services, if available, for a further period.
As to (3) no precedent has been created by my Department in this matter. Retention of a senior officer beyond the usual age limit is resorted to only when it is necessary in the public interest, and all such cases must be determined in the light of the particular circumstances obtaining at the time.