asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if it is a fact that the Galway County Council have selected by election and subject to his ratification, a person to fill the position of Secretary to the County Council; whether the person so selected is a person who has been declared by the Civil Service Commission not to be in possession of a competent knowledge of Irish to fill the position, and whether it is the intention of the Minister to consent to the appointment to the position of a person not so competent.
PRIVATE NOTICE QUESTION. - GALWAY CO. COUNCIL SECRETARYSHIP.
I have seen a report in the Press to the effect stated by the Deputy, but the matter has not yet come before me officially. I will consider it carefully before any decision is given.
Will the Minister undertake to withhold ratification of the appointment to this position of a person not possessing a competent knowledge of Irish until such time as the Dáil will have an opportunity of knowing the facts of the case?
Sanction will not be given until every opportunity is afforded to all persons concerned to make any representation that may be pertinent to the case.