asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state whether it is a fact that if an employee of a local authority approaches a Deputy or county councillor and requests a reference, and if such employee receives such reference, his action is contrary to the regulations laid down by his Department; and if such employee will be punished for seeking such a reference having regard to the fact that the reference may be helpful to him.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Employees and References.
It is not a fact that employees of local authorities are precluded from procuring references as to character or competency from members of the Oireachtas or other public representatives. The Deputy was so informed by me on the 31st January in reply to a supplementary question. Employees of local bodies are prohibited from making representations to the Minister through public representatives concerning their remuneration, duties and conditions of service.
Has the Minister been made aware of any case wherein recommendations or references from county councillors or Deputies were submitted to county managers and is he aware that on receipt of communications from councillors or Deputies a county manager in a certain county disqualified a candidate for a post simply because the recommendation of a Deputy was enclosed with his application?
I am not aware of any such case and if it did occur I am not certain that I should have any responsibility.
Deputy Mulcahy is fully aware of the case I am referring to.