asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that Mr. John Rynne, a postman at Ennistymon, County Clare, who has given 25 years of faithful service to the Department, has now been deprived of his position in consequence of his undergoing a serious operation, and that his son, who was acting for him in a temporary capacity, has been dismissed and replaced by a man having an income of £10 weekly; and whether, in the circumstances, he proposes to give Mr. John Rynne any compensation or gratuity in respect of his long and meritorious service.

Mr. Rynne's services were terminated because he was medically certified as permanently unfit for the duties of his post.

Mr. Rynne's son was employed in a temporary capacity pending the filling of the vacant post. There were four applicants for the vacancy and an ex-Army man with a young family was appointed.

In view of the part-time nature of Mr. Rynne's former employment, he is ineligible for a pension or any other award under the Superannuation Acts. There is, however, a special fund at my disposal for affording assistance, on retirement, to certain grades of officers who are in necessity and Mr. Rynne will be considered for a grant from the fund. He did not apply for a grant from this fund subsequent to his retirement.

If Mr. Rynne now applies for a grant will the Minister consider his application favourably?

We always consider favourably any claims that are made.