asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that grave dissatisfaction has been caused in the Walkinstown area by the appointment of a Mrs. Pieraccini as sub-postmistress; and, if so, if he will state why this lady, who is a nonnational and is residing in this country for less than a year, was appointed in preference to three applicants who are Irish nationals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Sub-Postmistress.
I am aware that there has been a divergence of views in regard to the location of the site chosen for the Walkinstown Post Office.
The claims and qualifications of all candidates for sub-postmasterships are considered by the Permanent Selection Board established this year, the duty of which is to determine the candidate most suitable in each case having regard to the efficiency of the public service. Candidature for sub-postmasterships, as for a large number of other posts in the public service, is not restricted to Irish nationals, and Mrs. Pieracinni was eligible to compete for the vacancy at Walkinstown. She was selected by the board and was appointed accordingly.
Is the Minister aware that in this case the appointment was made before he came into office? Is he further aware that, quite recently, another appointment was made in Baltinglass, that the lady concerned was born in the country, and that there was a lot said about it in this House?
She was not.
And there is a widow in Balbriggan.
She had a Black and Tan brother.
I will answer Deputy Everett on another occasion. Will the Minister say that in this case Deputy Everett, the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs at that time, turned down two Army men who gave service to this country during the emergency? I would like the Minister to go into this matter.
On a point of order, has not the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs stated emphatically in this House that the appointment was made by a selection board and not by the Minister, present or past?
Is the Minister aware that there is grave dissatisfaction amongst the people in the area as a result of the appointment made by Deputy Everett when he was Minister for Posts and Telegraphs?
The Deputy is thinking of the Balbriggan widow.
Question No. 37.