asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state why an ex-member of the Garda Síochána was not considered for employment as a labourer on the State farm at Johnstown.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Ex-Garda at Johnstown.
Mr. Walsh
In engaging farm workers for any of my Department's farms the usual practice is to employ the most suitable of the applicants whose names are supplied through the local employment exchange. This is the procedure which was followed on this occasion.
Does the Minister admit, therefore, that this man was not turned down for employment on the State farm at Johnstown because he happened to be dismissed from the Garda Síochána?
Mr. Walsh
I know nothing about it.
That would not debar him from being employed?
Mr. Walsh
I have no knowledge of why employment was not given to him.
If X presented himself at Johnstown Castle for a job as a farm labourer would he be debarred by reason of the fact that he was dismissed from the Garda?
Mr. Walsh
Any employment on a State farm is given in the usual way through the local exchange.
Let me put it in a simpler way. Is an ex-member of the Garda Síochána eligible for employment on a State farm?
Mr. Walsh
Certainly.