asked the Minister for Finance if he will state when Mr. Francis Lee was appointed park ranger in the Phoenix Park, in what circumstances he became tenant of Rose Cottage; and what alterations have been carried out at that cottage since his tenancy commenced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Park Ranger.
The Deputy presumably refers to Mr. Edward Lee, who was appointed as a park constable in the Phoenix Park on the 20th December, 1943. He was put into occupation of Rose Cottage as part of the emoluments of the post to which he was appointed. No alterations to the cottage have been carried out since Mr. Lee's occupation of it.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary tell me where Mr. Lee came from or is he also a native of Allahabad? Would the Parliamentary Secretary say, if no alterations were carried out to the fabric of the cottage itself, whether considerable alterations were carried out in the gardens on the grounds that the scenery from the kitchen was not pleasing to the new tenant?
The Deputy does not ask that question.
I am asking it now. I asked if any alterations had been carried out at that cottage. The words "at that cottage" do not necessarily mean the limits of the four walls of the cottage. I suppose the words would include the precincts of the cottage and the garden. Were any alterations carried out in the garden?
I am not aware of any such alterations having been made.
You do not know they were made? Does the Parliamentary Secretary claim that he does not know where this man came from either? Does he not know that he came from Cavan.
I have already answered the Deputy that it is not the practice of the Board of Works to inquire into the origin of any man whom they may employ.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not know that Mr. Lee came from Cavan and that he is a political henchman of the late Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance?
Even if Mr. Lee came from Cavan, I am unaware of any reason why any man from Cavan should be denied employment.
That is the Fianna Fáil plan.
I suppose that Deputy Dillon does not take votes from Cavan men?
Certainly, but I am not in a position to provide jobs for votes yet. I hope I may be yet.
The remaining questions will be published in the Official Reports. Of course, should any Deputy wish to have a question repeated, that will be done.