asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, with reference to a reply of 3rd November last, the dates upon which within the last 13 years six competitions for established positions as male night telephonists were held; the length and nature of notice of each such examination; and if, having regard to the fact that only 20 per cent of the full-time male night telephonists are established, the standards for establishment will be qualified to permit the majority of such telephonists to be established.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Male Night Telephonists.
51.
Confined competitions for established positions as Male Night Telephonist were held on 6th May, 1952, 12th May, 1954, 25th October, 1956, 14th October, 1958, 12th January, 1962 and 20th September, 1965.
The advance notice which was given to the Union concerned was eight months for the 1952 competition, 13 months for the 1954 competition, seven months for the 1956 competition, 11 months for the 1958 competition, 12 months for the 1962 competition and four months for the 1965 competition. In addition at least three months advance notice of each competition was given to the staff concerned by means of office circulars.
The conditions for the establishment of Male Night Telephonists are similar to those obtaining for establishment competitions generally and I do not consider that any change is warranted.