asked the Minister for Health if he will state (1) whether at a recent examination to select a head nurse (male) at Clonmel Mental Hospital marks were allowed for service in the Irish Republican Army (pre-Truce), (2) if any member of the said Army was a candidate, (3) the qualifications of the candidates for the position, (4) whether the selection board was appointed by (a) the manager, (b) the local authority or (c) the Minister.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Mental Hospital Nurse.
Twelve candidates presented themselves for interview by a selection board in connection with the filling of the post of head nurse (male) at Clonmel Mental Hospital. The selection board was appointed by the manager of the mental hospital authority and sat at Clonmel on 27th July last.
Of the candidates, one claimed pre-Truce service with the Irish Republican Army, but I understand that, in accordance with normal practice, the board did not allot any marks specifically in respect of that service.
It is contrary to custom to disclose the qualifications of candidates who apply for office under local authorities, but I am satisfied from the information at my disposal that the person appointed, who was the candidate placed first in order of merit by the selection board, possessed the requisite declared qualifications.