asked the Taoiseach if he will state in respect of the post of senior architectural or engineering inspector, Department of Health, for which candidates were interviewed on the 4th March, 1948, by the Civil Service Commission (i) if an appointment was made from the original list of candidates interviewed or (ii) if not, whether an appointment was made other than from that list; and, if so, the name, address and qualifications of the candidate so appointed, or (iii) if no appointment has been made, when it will be made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Department of Health Post.
I take it that the question refers to the post of senior architectural or engineering inspector in the Department of Local Government (not the Department of Health). If that is so, the information asked for is as follows:— (i) an appointment to this post was not made from the list of candidates interviewed on the 4th and 5th March, 1948, for the reason that the Civil Service Commissioners were not in a position to recommend to the Minister for Local Government any qualified and suitable candidate for appointment; (ii) the post was subsequently filled by the promotion of an officer already serving in the Department of Local Government, namely, Mr. M.J. Scott, B.E., engineering inspector.
Does the Taoiseach not agree that where an appointment cannot be made by the Civil Service Commissioners from the list of candidates interviewed on the ground that no candidate is fully qualified, it would be a more desirable and just solution if the post were re-advertised and the candidates re-interviewed?
It depends on the circumstances entirely. In the particular circumstances of this case a suitable man was found in the service by promotion in the ordinary way, a method of filling the position which appears to be eminently desirable.
Had the particular person appointed the qualifications and, if so, what was the need for advertising? If this person had the qualifications, why was the position advertised and other people invited to apply?
I think that I am not sufficiently in possession of the facts to answer that question. If the Deputy really requires information on that point, he should put down a separate question and I shall have the matter investigated with the Civil Service Commissioners.