asked the Minister for the Public Service if he is aware of the disquiet among Post Office employees because staff of all grades are prohibited from standing for election to both Houses of the Oireachtas; if the constitutionality of this public service employment regulation has been reviewed in view of the decision to set up State-sponsored bodies in this sector—whose staff are entirely free to contest such elections; and if the Government will amend this regulation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post Office Employees.
14.
There is no evidence to suggest that the regulations governing the involvement of civil servants in political activity are unconstitutional. As regards the proposed establishment of State-sponsored bodies to carry out postal and telecommunications functions, these proposals, when implemented, will affect the position of transferred staff as regards political activity. Any change in the position in relation to civil servants would be a matter for consideration generally and not solely by reference to Post Office employees.
Is it reasonable to assume that the 25,000 staff involved in the Post Office will have the right to stand for election to the Dáil, like ESB staff and those employed by other State-sponsored bodies, when the structural change I spoke of is brought about?
Any change will be looked at generally, rather than specifically, in relation to any employees of Government Departments.
Does the Minister accept that there is a considerable body of legal opinion at present which holds that the current prohibition is unconstitutional in so far as a technician employed by the ESB can stand for election to Dáil Eireann while a technician employed by the Post Office, both of whom work the same role, virtually, cannot seek election to the Dáil with the result that he is denied his human rights?
Such a person would be in a special position to put up election posters.
That matter has been looked at by successive Governments and the Government do not feel any necessity for change.
It is certainly a denial of political rights.