asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he can state the number of medical officers appointed on the staff of the South Cork Board of Public Assistance and Public Health from January, 1922, to date; whether vacancies were advertised in all cases, and candidates examined as to fitness and necessary qualifications by a medical or other selection board before appointment, and, if not, whether those appointments were made without being publicly advertised, and whether they are permanent and pensionable; whether future vacancies of a permanent or temporary character will be advertised and filled under the provisions of the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act, 1926, and whether fully qualified medical officers who rendered pre-Truce and post-Truce service to the State will receive special consideration in competing for such posts.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - APPOINTMENT OF MEDICAL OFFICERS.
I understand that nine permanent and pensionable medical officers and two temporary medical officers were appointed during the period mentioned in the Deputy's question. The vacancies for the permanent posts were duly advertised. In two of the nine cases the candidates were recommended for appointment by selection boards. Two temporary appointments of resident medical officers of the County Hospital were made recently for six months without prior advertisement, as is permissible under the provisions of the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act, 1926, and all future vacancies will be governed by that Act. The last portion of the question will be a matter for the Local Appointments Commission.
Mr. HENNESSY
Do I understand that in future those posts will not be advertised and filled by open competition?
I have no power to insist on advertisements for temporary posts.