asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state (a) the name of the person appointed postmaster in Kilkerrin, Ballinasloe, County Galway; (b) when the appointment was made by him; (c) the number of applicants for the position; (d) their names and addresses; (e) the qualifications which the successful candidate possessed which were absent in the other applicants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway P.O. Appointment.
Mrs. M.F. Nic Ghabhann is being appointed sub-postmistress on the usual conditions but the office has not been transferred yet. There were four other applicants. It would not be in accordance with practice to say who the unsuccessful applicants were or to give any information about the qualifications of applicants. It would be difficult to give the latter information without disclosing information obtained in confidence either from or concerning the applicants.
That reply is as vague as the last one. Might I ask the Minister specifically to answer (e), the qualifications which the successful candidate possessed which were absent in the other applicants?
So far as that is concerned it has been the practice in the Department not to disclose the qualifications of the various candidates. It has always been a matter of private concern.
May I ask the Minister if, on the 16th September, he sent a letter to an individual in North Galway stating that because 12 Fianna Fáil cumainn made representations on behalf of the person appointed his hands were tied?
The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs would be a lunatic if he said on any occasion that his hands were tied.
He must be a fool so.
That expression must be withdrawn.
I withdraw. Does the Minister deny that he sent such a letter on the 16th September?
I deny that I ever said such a thing.