asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he has dispensed with the services of Gerald O'Donohue, temporary postman, Milltown, Co. Kerry, who has been employed in that capacity for the past seven years since he was discharged from the National Army, and, if so, if he will state the reasons why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co. Kerry Temporary Postman.
Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. Connolly)
The Deputy's information is substantially correct. Mr. O'Donohue acted as temporary substitute, as required, for the postman staff at Milltown, Co. Kerry, from 1926 until this year when his services were discontinued. He was displaced in favour of a candidate with the requisite Irish qualifications for employment in the Gaedhealtacht. Mr. O'Donohue has no knowledge of Irish.
Mr. Lynch
Neither has his successor, according to my information.
Mr. Connolly
The candidates were examined by the local officials and the recommendation was that the successor of Mr. O'Donohue had shown most promise of being a suitable Irish speaker.
Was he a member of the Fianna Fáil Party?
Mr. Connolly
The selection was made by the postmaster in the area and the report is that Mr. Eugene O'Shea, who replaced him, was regarded as the most promising Irish scholar of six applicants. It is not right to say that Mr. O'Shea has no Irish.
Mr. Lynch
Nothing in that report states the contrary. Is the Minister aware that this man has already another Government job?