asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will state the number of retirements in the veterinary inspectorate section of his Department due to occur within the next 12 months; and whether the principle of promotion according to seniority hitherto observed in filling vacancies arising out of such retirements will be maintained; or, if it is proposed to abandon this principle in any specific case, if the Minister will state the reasons for such change of procedure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Veterinary Inspectors.
Two members of the veterinary inspectorate are due to retire within the next 12 months. The principle followed in making promotions is to select the most suitable and best qualified officers. Seniority, whilst one of the factors taken into consideration, is not necessarily the deciding factor.