asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will remove the statutory restriction which prevents ESB employees from contesting parliamentary elections.

The provision in the Electricity (Supply) Acts 1927-1971 which prohibited ESB employees from contesting Parliamentary elections was repealed in 1958 by section 9 (5) of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1958.

Is it correct to say that while they may contest elections they cannot retain their employment with the ESB?

I do not know but I imagine that that would be a matter between themselves and the board as it would be between an ordinary employer and a person elected to this House.