asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the total number of auxiliary postmen who have and will become redundant under the reorganisation scheme for postal deliveries; and whether any provisions will be made to compensate or provide suitable alternative employment for these redundant postmen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundant Auxiliary Postmen.
27.
Under the current scheme for motorisation of rural postal deliveries, some 100 auxiliary postman posts have been suppressed so far. It is not possible to give any reliable long-term forecast of the rate at which motorisation will progress but it is expected that a further 80 auxiliary postman posts will be suppressed in the current financial year. The question of redundancy payments for staff that will be displaced is being considered in conjunction with the proposed legislation for redundancy payments and resettlement allowances generally. The auxiliary postmen displaced so far were appointed in a purely temporary capacity and had short service.
I take it that this matter has been fully discussed with the Post Office Workers' Union?
We always have discussions on matters of this kind.
Does the Minister not think that with regard to these vans it would be cheaper and more efficient to allow them to have motor scooters?
Many people might think that but the actual number we have in operation have proved the vans to be as economical.