asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the number of applicants for the vacant positions of home assistance officers under Offaly County Council, and the number of vacancies; whether each applicant was interviewed by the county manager; what were the qualifications of the successful applicants, and whether they were unemployed persons, and if in employment, at what employment, and at what remuneration; and if he can also state the number of unemployed applicants rejected by the county manager.
Ceisteanna. — Questions. Oral Answers. - Vacancies for H.A. Officers (Offaly).
The number of vacancies for assistance officers in Offaly County which were recently advertised was three.
There are no particulars available in my Department in regard to the applicants for these posts, as I have no function in connection with such appointments beyond declaring qualifications and approving of the salaries therefor. The appointment of duly qualified persons rests with the local authority.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider that county managers should take the necessary steps to appoint applicants to positions that may be vacant, instead of taking them from positions in which they are earning £4 a week, at a time when young and unemployed suitable applicants are available? I think the Department should look into that matter.
The appointments rest with the county managers.