asked the Minister for Local Government if any appointments as lorry drivers have been made recently by the Wexford County Council; and, if so, if he will state (1) the method of appointment, and (2) how many of those appointed were recruited from the regular county council road staff.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Lorry Drivers.
I have no functions in relation to the recruitment of such employees and I have no information on the cases referred to by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that the county council officials gave the impression in the county that only council workers could apply for these jobs and that these lorry drivers were going to be recruited from the existing staff? The result was that ex-Army men who had driving experience did not apply. There were some interviews held but how the people were selected for the interview I do not know. There is a feeling that those who were qualified to drive and who were not county council workers should at least have been given an opportunity to apply for the jobs.
The Deputy will realise that I cannot possibly be aware of all the impressions that prevail in all the offices of county councils all over the country, and while he might be quite right in conveying to me this information, I could not possibly be aware of it. Even if I were, the function of employing lorry drivers surely is not one of mine.
Is it not reasonable for a Deputy of this House to bring to the notice of the Minister by way of parliamentary question such matters so that he might inquire from the local authorities if an injustice has been done?
I have no objection to your bringing such questions to my notice but I take it that a county council is an elected body and if a county manager or any official has done something, I do not see what county councillors are there for except to manifest improper practices in that regard.
As a Deputy in this House I should say that the Minister for Local Government has some responsibility for the Wexford County Council and other county councils, and is it not reasonable for a Deputy of this House to bring a matter of this kind to his notice, so that he might make inquiries?
I have my responsibilities but those responsibilities are defined. The responsibility for the employment exchange people is not mine.
The Minister is responsible for officials in the county council.
I have other responsibilities but not that one.