asked the Taoiseach if he is aware that there has been from time to time public dissatisfaction with the manner in which the Local Appointments Commission has discharged its functions and if he is prepared to set up a committee of Dáil Éireann charged with the task of examining the manner in which the Local Appointments Commission is operated and reporting thereon to the Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Appointments Commission.
I am aware that dissatisfaction of a limited character has from time to time been expressed with the operation of the arrangements for the selection by the Local Appointments Commissioners of persons for local appointments. In a reply to Deputy Sweetman on the 21st July, 1948, I gave an account of those arrangements and dealt with certain complaints to which that Deputy had referred.
I am satisfied that the Local Appointments Commissioners exercise scrupulous care in administering the enactments and in applying the regulations which govern their methods of selection. It may be that the system which they operate tends, in itself, to produce occasional anomalies, or apparent anomalies, in practice. No case has been brought to my notice, however, in which investigation did not result in a satisfactory explanation. Any individual complaint that may in the future be brought to my attention will be fully investigated, and, if the number or character of such cases would seem to warrant a general inquiry, I shall consult with my colleagues in the Government as to the steps that should be taken to have such an inquiry carried out.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the very principle which was envisaged in the setting up of the Local Appointments Commission is in many instances defeated by its operation?
I would be glad if the Deputy could be more precise and give me the information on which he grounds his grievance and I shall have the matter investigated.
I shall be able to supply the Taoiseach with a list of specific cases.
If the Deputy would be good enough to give me specific cases they will be inquired into.
May I ask the Taoiseach if he is aware that one doctor with excellent qualifications and experience has been rejected several times by the Local Appointments Commission?
I am not aware of the particular case to which the Deputy refers, but if the Deputy will give me the necessary information I shall have the matter investigated fully.