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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Feb 1943

Vol. 89 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co. Roscommon Postal Appointment.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the circumstances which guided him in selecting a person to act as sub-postmaster in Treen, Castlerea, County Roscommon.

When the sub-post office at Treen, Castlerea, County Roscommon, became vacant through the death of the former sub-postmaster, the vacancy was advertised in the customary manner. The usual qualifications were looked for—namely, suitability of character, suitability of premises offered, financial soundness and ability to provide for the proper performance of the work. The person appointed possessed all these qualifications, and was the most suitable of the candidates for appointment.

Mr. Brennan

Will the Minister say if the previous holder of the post office there was an old man, a postman, who held it nominally only, and whether the business was actually conducted for the past 14 years by a Miss Quinn? Is that correct?

I think that is correct.

Mr. Brennan

That is correct. Was Miss Quinn an applicant for the vacancy, and was she the owner of the premises in which the post office was previously conducted—the premises from which she operated the post office during the past 14 or 15 years?

Yes, but, as I have already pointed out, the person appointed possessed all the necessary qualifications and was the most suitable of all the candidates.

Mr. Brennan

Notwithstanding the fact that Miss Quinn operated that post office for so long a period with satisfaction? Was there any complaint against her? Will the Minister say if the person selected to carry on the post office is an old age pensioner without any qualifications whatsoever?

That does not prohibit him from acting in that capacity.

Mr. Brennan

Has he any experience of doing that type of work?

The Deputy will have to address that question to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.

Was he recommended by a Fianna Fáil Deputy?

Mr. Brennan

Will the Minister say if the political opinions of these people were considered?

That had nothing whatever to do with the appointment.

Mr. Brennan

It is my intention to raise this matter on the Adjournment this evening. I think the whole thing is a scandal.

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