asked the Minister for the Public Service if a person in County Meath will be re-employed when he has recovered from illness, in view of a letter he received when he came out of hospital (details supplied); and if it is the policy to let staff go if they are out sick for more than nine weeks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Patient Re-employment.
19.
The person concerned was employed on work of a temporary nature. He was not dismissed and will be eligible for re-engagement when he is fit again, provided work is still available.
It is not Government policy to let staff go if they are out sick for more than nine weeks.
I might add that I wish the person concerned a speedy recovery to full health.
Does the Minister not realise that if a person applies for a job in the Board of Works at present it takes anything from a year or more before he is called and this is not conducive to this man's health to know that he is without a job when he is better again?
I do not know whether Deputy Crinion is aware of the facts or not but if he wishes I will read the personal details of this man to the House. On April 12th he submitted a certificate to the board saying that he would not be ready for work until at least two months and the two months are not up yet.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary guarantee him his job when he is well?
As the Deputy knows, there is no guarantee in this life for anything.
The Parliamentary Secretary is evading the issue.
Question No. 20.
I told the Deputy that if there is work available he will be re-employed.
You say that he will?
Yes, if work is available.
How long will that be after he has applied?
The man has submitted a certificate saying that he is not available until June 12th.
I know that but I want to be sure that he has a job when he is well.
Order.
The man is not available until June 12th and I told the Deputy that if work is available at that time we will give a job to his man.
Next question please. Order. I have called the next question.
No good employer will let a man go just because he is sick.
The man was not let go.
Order. This is leading to an argument.
He was given back his cards.
Yes, so that he could claim his benefit.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I would like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.