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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Dec 1931

Vol. 40 No. 21

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Qualifications of Potato Inspectors.

asked the Minister for Agriculture (1) if he will state how many potato inspectors have been appointed since the beginning of 1927; (2) in how many of the above cases have advertisments been issued; (3) is it not a fact that four vacancies advertised in the early part of this year were filled by applicants from Northern Ireland; (4) what is the explanation or what special qualifications secured the selection of these men in preference to Free State candidates; and (5) have these latter selections been officially ratified.

The following are the particulars asked for:—(1) 18. (2) 11; the remaining appointments were filled by the transfer to the potato inspection work of existing members of the Department's staff. (3) The reply is in the negative. Two of the four successful candidates were resident in the Saor-stát. (4) The appointments were made by means of the usual Civil Service procedure, and persons living in Northern Ireland are, if qualified, eligible for appointment, under the Civil Service Regulation Acts. (5) The reply is in the affirmative.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say how many applicants from Southern Ireland went before the Tribunal or the body who was selecting them, and how many of these were not appointed?

I could not say.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that residence in the Saorstát would disqualify a candidate for any position in the Six Counties— is he aware that that would practically nullify the chances of any applicant seeking a position in the Six Counties, and is this the way in which the Parliamentary Secretary intends to pursue a policy of reciprocity?

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