asked the President if, having regard to the friction arising between local bodies and the Department of Local Government and Public Health because of the method of making appointments and the general demand for the abolition of the Local Appointments Commission, he will take steps to have that body abolished.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Appointments.
There is no evidence of any general demand on the part of the local authorities for the abolition of the Local Appointments Commission. Relatively few of the 1,750 positions filled on the recommendation of the Commission since it was established have led to any controversy. A number of local authorities have shown their confidence in the Commission by referring to it the filling of positions to which the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act, 1926, does not apply.
I may add that during the last 18 months I have personally investigated complaints made by certain local authorities against the Local Appointments Commission, and I have in all cases satisfied myself that these complaints were unjustified. I believe that the system is working fairly and well, and that its abolition would not be in the public interest. The answer to the Deputy's question is, therefore, in the negative.