asked the Minister for Finance if it is correct that a new collector of taxes has been appointed for the Carlow-Athy area; and, if so, if he will state: (1) the date on which such vacancy occurred and the date on which the appointment was made; (2) whether the vacancy was advertised and, if so, the date and papers in which such advertisements appeared; (3) the average annual emoluments attaching to the position; (4) the age and previous knowledge and experience of the person appointed; (5) how many applicants had their qualifications for the position considered, and (6) what qualifications were possessed by the person appointed which were not possessed by the other applicants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carlow-Athy Collector of Taxes.
It is correct that a new collector of taxes has been appointed for the Carlow-Athy area. In regard to the remainder of the Deputy's question the position is as follows:—
(1) The vacancy arose on the 26th September, 1951, and the appointment was approved on the 18th December, 1951.
(2) Notice of the cessation of the appointment of the former collector of taxes for the area in question was advertised in the three Dublin morning papers of 28th September, 1951, and in the Kilkenny People, Kilkenny Journal, Leinster Leader and the Wicklow People of the 6th October, 1951.
(3) The gross remuneration of a collector of taxes includes the cost of clerical assistance, office accommodation, travelling, etc., as well as the net personal emolument of the collector. The net annual remuneration of the collector for the Carlow-Athy area is approximately £550.
(4) The person appointed is 25 years of age. He had two years' experience of duties comparable with those of a collector of taxes.
(5) Thirteen applicants, in addition to previous applicants registered in the office of the Revenue Commissioners, were considered in connection with the filling of the vacancy.
(6) The appointment was offered, in the first instance, to an applicant whom the Revenue Commissioners considered to be the best qualified but later this applicant withdrew. The person appointed possessed the necessary qualifications and in addition was considered the most suitable for the particular vacancy because of his local knowledge coupled with his previous collecting experience.
Is it usual to appoint a person as young as 25 years?
I know Deputies in this House who are supposed to be younger than that.
Arising further out of the Minister's impudent reply, is the particular local knowledge of this applicant the fact that he is the son of the chairman of the Benekerry Fianna Fáil Cumann?
I would not regard that as any disqualification.
(Interruptions.)
What about a certain person in the County Monaghan?
The Molly Maguires.
He was selected and appointed by the Revenue Commissioners.
If you had not given an impudent reply, I was not going to say anything. You brought it on yourself.
Would it be correct to describe this event as a coincidence?