asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has received a resolution protesting against the appointment by the Longford Board of Health of Thomas Casey to fill a vacancy in the office of the County Medical Officer of Health; whether he is aware that the board decided originally to fill the position by open competitive examination, and that a body of examiners was appointed who reported to the board that only one of the candidates passed in all subjects; whether the board subsequently ignored the report of the examiners, which showed that Casey did not pass in all subjects and only secured sixth place in the examination with 42 per cent. of marks, and whether he is prepared to insist that the board will appoint to the position the best qualified candidate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Longford Appointment.
The answer to the first, third and fourth parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remaining portions of the question, the board were informed by the Minister that the position should be filled by open competitive examination.
From the report of the examiners it appears that Miss L. Farrell was the only candidate who qualified for the position in accordance with the conditions of the examination.
The Minister has requested the board to appoint Miss Farrell, and has declined to sanction the continuance of the temporary appointment of Mr. Casey.