asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is prepared to issue instructions to returning officers throughout the Saorstát that, in the appointment of presiding officers and polling clerks for the purpose of the local elections now pending, preference should be given to unemployed persons capable of performing the duties attached to these positions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Presiding Officers.
The appointment of presiding officers and polling clerks is a function of the returning officers. I have, however, in a circular letter of the 18th April, directed returning officers to pay particular attention to applications for these posts received from unemployed persons. My letter pointed out that the duties of a polling clerk can be discharged by any person of average intelligence and that—while competence must be the first consideration with regard to presiding officers—as between competent persons, applicants without employment should be given preference.