asked the President if he will state the reason for the delay by the Local Appointments Commissioners in recommending a suitable candidate for the vacant position of nurse, having midwifery qualifications, in the County Home, Clonakilty, and for the vacant position of midwife in the Timoleague Dispensary District, and if the selections will be made immediately.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - LOCAL APPOINTMENTS IN CO. CORK.
Unavoidable delay on the part of the Local Appointments Commissioners in making their recommendations in these and other cases occurred owing to the fact that a number of requests had accumulated before they had an opportunity of working out and settling their methods of procedure. This cause no longer operates, and the work of dealing with all cases, outstanding and current, is proceeding steadily.
A certain period must necessarily elapse between the date of the request and the making of a recommendation by the Commission. Advertisements have to be issued, and a reasonable time allowed for making application before a Selection Board can meet. After receipt of Selection Board reports it is the duty of the Commissioners to satisfy themselves as to the health, age and character of the candidates they propose to recommend. This process is occasionally delayed by failure on the part of the candidates and their referees to reply promptly to communications addressed to them.
The Commissioners, with a view to reducing to a minimum the expense which falls upon local bodies under the Act, endeavour, as far as possible, to group posts that may be dealt with by one Selection Board, thus saving travelling and other incidental costs. In the two cases under review, this consideration contributed to the delay which has occurred.
It is anticipated that the Commissioners will be able to issue their recommendations for the filling of both posts within the next ten days.