I will be very brief on this matter. I was very disappointed this afternoon when I heard the Minister's reply to my question. In fact, I was amazed at the contents of the second paragraph of that reply in which the Minister stated that the charges made by me concerning recent appointments would not, if true, amount to a breach of the regulations and could not, in his opinion, invalidate the appointments. Bearing that statement in mind and realising that approach, I fail to see that there is any justice in this country. The Minister's reply amounts to an avowal that a man could obtain by intrigue, or otherwise, any type of employment in a responsible position in this country. The Minister's Department is relying on an alteration made some years ago. Under Section 2 of the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act, 1926, all such appointments should receive the sanction of the Minister.
I would like to know when that position was altered, why it was altered, and who made the Order. The Minister's reply states that the appointment of a home assistance officer is not his responsibility but one for the county managers and the local authorities. I fail to see why the Minister did not take action irrespective of the alteration to Section 2 of the Act, when I submitted evidence to him showing that these were political appointments. I have copies of letters which I received from two candidates who were seeking the post and I am quoting now from one of these letters. The writer of it does not hold my political views; he is a member of the Clann na Poblachta Party.