asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware of the series of one-day strikes carried out by the telephone engineers' section of his Department at Waterford and the inconvenience caused to subscribers in the area; and if he will indicate the cause of the strikes and his proposals for a settlement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford PO Engineers' Absences.
11.
I am aware that a number of staff in the engineering branch of my Department employed in Waterford city failed to attend for duty on two separate days recently. I understand that the absences were intended as unofficial industrial action in protest against the non-retention of a temporary employee.
The union representing temporary labourers in the Department has made representations on behalf of the temporary employee concerned, and the representations are being considered.
Could the Minister indicate why the casual labourer, the subject of the question, was let go?
I am always put in a difficulty, and I think other Ministers are, by questions which relate to people who are identifiable in the area. I do not want to make statements which might be in any way undesirable regarding them and I hope the Deputy will not press me on this. I am prepared to communicate with him personally.
Would the Minister indicate if he would consider re-employing this good worker who was suspended or let go only because he was being promoted from being casual to being permanent? Would he consider re-employing him in his former position?
As I have indicated, the matter is being further examined and I shall certainly take the Deputy's representations into consideration.
I congratulate Deputy Kyne. He is successful.