asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will guarantee that after the vesting date of An Post and Bord Telecom Éireann all present offers of redundancy to telephonists will be equal to the present offers made by his Department.

I can confirm that the terms of the agreement relating to the position of staff who are affected by the closure of manual telephone exchanges will be open to all the staff in question after vesting day, unless in the meantime a new agreement on alternative arrangements is reached with the relevant unions. Staff employed at auto-manual exchanges who are surplus to requirements are given the option at present of accepting similar terms to those provided for in the agreement mentioned. This option will be continued after vesting date. Telephonists will not be assigned to An Post.

Could the Minister outline the offer made for redundancy payments? How much above the statutory redundancy payment is now being agreed with the unions?

It was agreed that compensation be paid to staff who opted to terminate their employment in such circumstances at the rate of six weeks pay per year of service, subject to a minimum payment of 12 weeks pay and a maximum payment of two years, in lieu of any gratuity or lump sum entitlement under the superannuation code, the Minister's fund or non-contributory pensions fund for non-established civil servants or any other statutory provision.

Would the Minister arrange to have that information conveyed directly to the staff involved? I am receiving a number of representations from the staff concerned, particularly in my constituency, and they are concerned that on vesting day An Bord Poist and An Bord Telecom will not honour the assurance given by the Minister. I want a categorical assurance from the Minister to this effect, and I want him to inform the telephonists involved. I am sure the Minister is aware that this is a traumatic time for the personnel involved and he should give them every possible support and assistance.

As I stated in my reply, I can confirm that the terms of the agreement relating to the position of staff who are affected by the closure of manual telephone exchanges will be open to all the staff in question after vesting day.

The Minister is not answering my question. I would like him to give a written assurance to individual staff members involved telling them they will be guaranteed the same rights and privileges that are being offered today. Many staff are opting for redundancies because they are afraid An Bord Post and An Bord Telecom——

A question please Deputy.

——will not honour the Minister's commitment. The Minister is clouding the issue slightly by saying that between now and the end of the year if a new agreement is made, that agreement will be honoured as well. I am talking about the offer being made now to the staff involved. Will An Bord Poist and An Bord Telecom honour those commitments?

The Deputy must be aware of the terms of the Bill which went through the House because he contributed on all Stages, and he knows the terms being offered.

Will the Minister confirm this by communicating directly with the staff?

I am calling Question No. 15.

15.