asked the Minister for Finance when the head gardener at Árus and Uachtaráin was appointed; what is his remuneration; whether an assistant gardener named Halpin has now been added to the staff at Árus an Uachtaráin; whether this additional appointment was made consequent on request from Árus an Uachtaráin; and if so, on what grounds was this request founded.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Head Gardener.
The head gardener at Árus an Uachtaráin was promoted as such on 9th July, 1946. His remuneration is 70/- a week, plus emergency bonus of 15/- a week, with a free house and a gas allowance. Edward Halpin has been employed as ganger on the Phoenix Park general garden staff since 4th August, 1932. He was transferred to the garden staff of Árus an Uachtaráin on 10th January, 1946. The total staff required for these gardens is decided upon in the light of reports by the Superintendent of the Phoenix Parks as to the needs of the work in hands.
Was any request made from Árus an Uachtaráin based on the representation that the gardener in charge was not a competent person, and was Mr. Halpin sent to take over this job?
I have already told the Deputy that the question of staff required at Árus an Uachtaráin is a matter which depends on the report of the Superintendent of the Phoenix Park.
Was any request made in the matter from Árus an Uachtaráin?
Yes.
On the ground that the existing man was not competent?
The position was that men acting in similar capacity in other employment—in the People's Gardens and at Kilmainham, for instance—were in higher rank and this was done to bring him into line with them.
The question I am asking is a simple one. There were men working in the gardens at Árus an Uachtaráin. Another man named Halpin was sent down in addition. Was that arrangement made at the request of somebody in Árus an Uachtaráin and, if so, on what ground was that request founded?
I have already told the Deputy that this is a matter for the Superintendent of Phoenix Park.
I asked if anybody in Árus an Uachtaráin made a request in this matter. You said they did. I am asking now why they did so. Was the man inefficient?
If I were to answer that question, you would come back and ask another.
You will not answer it?
I have already answered it.