asked the Minister for Post and Telegraphs why his Department has refused to make available to the Irish Post Office Engineering Union the report of the industrial consultant on the organisation of the engineering (sub-professional) level; the date on which this report was completed; and the cost thereof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - P.O. Engineering Report.
117.
The report was commissioned from the consultants on the basis that it would be for management information only. The Post Office Engineering Union was so informed at the time. The union is being consulted about all proposals for changes affecting the interests of its members arising from consideration of the report.
The consultant's assignment was completed in October, 1968 and the cost was £29,800.
The Post Office Engineering Union was informed that the report was drawn up for the information of the management only. Surely the Minister will concede that the senior officials of his Department should reconsider their attitude towards this report because it intimately involves the work of the technicians and sub-professional staff in this large public service. The trade union concerned is fully entitled to be consulted on the contents of the report. I suggest that the Minister reconsider the matter and ask his senior officials to have another look at it.
We shall have another look at it.