Sir, – I witnessed the inner workings of the public service over 30 years ago. I was an assistant fire adviser in the Department of the Environment (its first AFA: 1977-82). Given the media’s annoyance at the Government’s handling of “allowances”, I recalled an unusual happening while I was employed at the Custom House.
About halfway through my tenure, I was sent a form headed “uniform allowance”. The allowance was to be paid annually for appearing in a uniform and for its upkeep. I was intrigued by this as I didn’t have a uniform nor did my job entail that I should wear one. My role (purely technical) was to advise the then minister(s) on fire and life safety.
Attending passing-out parades was not expected of me.
I brought the form to the attention of my superior who said I should fill it in. It became clear that the allowance had been agreed with the administrative side, without my knowledge. I declined the suggestion to complete the form as I did not have a uniform. No problem – all I had to do was go to the firm that made the uniforms and I would be “kitted out”. It would be paid for by the department.
When I asked what would I do with it, I was told to take it home and wear it to ceremonial outings. Not ever having received an invitation to such, I inquired when and where they occurred. Having got that far, it became obvious that my questions were not being received with any degree of patience! Take or leave it, was the obvious choice.
Needless to say, I returned the form (blank) and heard nothing more about it. For the enlightenment of readers, my experience demonstrates that there were, possibly, many ways and means of creating an allowance. Order the uniform! Hang it up! Wear it whenever! Claim the allowance! It was the “done thing” (so it seemed). – Yours, etc,