asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the reason why Mr. Gerrard D. Keane, of Kilkee, who obtained fifth place in a competitive examination for clerical posts in Clare County Council, was passed over when a suitable vacancy arose in favour of a man 53 years of age who did not even compete at the examination.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clare Clerical Post.
Mr. Murphy
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy. I am, however, considering a proposal put forward by the Clare County Manager to reinstate in a permanent capacity a person who was employed by the Clare County Council for some years prior to 1922 and who joined the National Army in that year. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the policy at that time was that the place vacated by a person joining the National Army should be kept open for him. In this case that policy was not implemented despite numerous attempts by the person concerned to secure reinstatement. He is now, and has been for the past two years, employed as a temporary clerk in the offices of the council. The permanent appointment of temporary clerks has been by no means unusual in recent years and this case is one which in equity appears to deserve sympathetic consideration.
I am afraid the Minister has been misinformed as to the facts of the case. If the man in question was employed by the Clare County Council for some years prior to 1922, I know of no reason why the Clare County Council should not have reengaged him between 1922 and 1925, when the Cumann na nGaedheal Party had complete authority.
Mr. Murphy
All the members of the Clare County Council are in favour of this decision of the county manager, except one man.