asked the Minister for Finance (a) how many of the staff of the First and Second Dáil are still serving in the Civil Service, (b) their present grades, (c) the number of former staff of the First and Second Dáil who are now on pension and (d) if he will recognise the distinguished service of these men and women by promoting serving officers by one grade and increasing the pensions of retired staff on the same basis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Staff of First and Second Dáil.
42.
The particulars requested at (a) and (b) are set out in a tabular statement which, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, will be circulated with the Official Report.
The information sought at (c) is not at present available and could be compiled only by examining the records of some 4,000 Civil Service pensioners.
In regard to (d), I have, as promised by the Taoiseach in reply to a similar question on 12th December, 1968, reexamined the matter but I regret that the difficulties he then mentioned still persist.
Following are the details:
|
Clerical Officers |
3 |
|
Stationery Clerk |
1 |
|
Clerk Typists |
2 |
|
Head Messenger |
1 |
|
Messenger |
1 |
|
8 |
|
Would the Minister not agree there is already a precedent in this House whereby an Act of Parliament was passed to enable two persons in this House to get preferential treatment and would the Minister not consider that the very least that can be done for the people involved here is to take similar action in their case?
I do not think I would.
Why not? Does the Minister think they are not worthy of it?
It is not that.
It would cost too much?
No.
The Minister just does not feel like it?
It is not that either. There are a great many others involved.
In this category? We can do it for our own.
I will talk to the Deputy and explain the facts to him.