Vol. 404 No. 6
6 Mr. Spring asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the position of the temporary clerical staff employed by the Department of Defence at Baldonnel, County Dublin, having regard to the proposed installation of a computer system by the Department; whether alternative permanent employment will be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are no temporary clerical staff employed by the Department of Defence at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The introduction recently of a computerised system in the stores area will not adversely affect civilian clerical staff employed there in permanent positions. There will be no compulsory redundancies and the staff have been given assurances on the point. Any changes in the nature of the work undertaken by the staff which may be necessary when the new computer system is tested and proven will be fully discussed with the employees and their union representatives.
Can the Taoiseach give an assurance that the staff will not be redeployed? Will he guarantee that there will be jobs for the staff at Baldonnel after the installation of the computer system?
There will be no redundancies and an assurance has been given on that point. Any changes in the nature of their work which may be necessary will be fully discussed with them and their union representatives. There is no intention to disturb anyone.
Given the unbelievably antiquated system of recording at the stores and other departments in Baldonnel and elsewhere, how long does the Taoiseach anticipate it will be before the computer will be in place?
There is a major programme of computerisation throughout the Defence Forces and in the Department of Defence starting now. I am not sure when any particular unit will be computerised. It is part of an overall programme.
