asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that an employee (details supplied) of the Office of Public Works in Dún Laoghaire is having his employment severed despite the fact that he is a War of Independence medal older; and if he will make a general policy statement on the matter and on the principle of the retaining in employment, over the age limit, of such medal holders.

There have been no changes in the conditions under which extensions of service beyond the normal retiring age are allowed on the grounds of national service. There was misunderstanding about the entitlement to retention of the employee in question who was born in January, 1910. The matter has been reexamined, however, and it has been decided to grant him an extension.

I would like to express my appreciation of the Parliamentary Secretary's humane attitude in this and the fashion in which his officials dealt with the matter.