I move:—
That Dáil Éireann nominate William John Kiely, at present Secretary and Director of Audit in the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor-General, for appointment by the President to be the Comptroller and Auditor-General with effect from the 18th day of December, 1953.
The present occupant of the post of Comptroller and Auditor-General recently expressed a wish to retire. The matter was examined by the Government and the Government are now prepared to advise the President to permit the retirement of Mr. Wann. Having done that, we then have toconsider the question of his successor. As every Deputy knows, the post is a very important one. The officer's chief function is to see that the moneys voted by Dáil Éireann are applied strictly in accordance with the purpose for which they have been so voted. There is no obligation on the Dáil to appoint any particular person by reason of the fact that he is in the Civil Service, in the office, or anything of that sort. The Dáil is free to appoint anybody who they think will be capable of performing the duties properly and the person who is considered best fitted to carry out the obligations of the post.
On two or three occasions on which a vacancy has occurred recently this matter has been considered by the Government whose duty it was to make recommendations to the Dáil. In view of the nature of the duties attaching to the post, in each case the Government were driven back to recommend as the most suitable person the man who was acting as secretary and director of audit. He is chief assistant of the Comptroller. In this case we are recommending that the same thing be done, again making it clear that we do not wish that this should be regarded necessarily as a precedent.
The reason for this recommendation is that this gentleman has had some 30 years' experience in the office, that he has now had some four years' experience as secretary and director of audit and that he is, therefore, fully acquainted with the work and the duties. In the post which he has held in the office he has earned the commendation of his superiors and has given every satisfaction. I feel confident that in making that recommendation to the Dáil we are recommending the person considered best fitted.
As this is a Dáil appointment it has been customary to consult, before the actual motion is put down, the leaders of other Parties. I have done that in this case. They can express their own opinions and speak now on this motion if they wish but, as far as I know, no objections, but rather the contrary,have been raised by those who have been consulted.
I do not think it is necessary for me to dwell at any greater length on the matter. We are all very, very sorry that the present auditor, Mr. Wann, finds it necessary to retire. He has performed his duties to the satisfaction of everybody. I am sure members of the Dáil would wish that I should express on their behalf our appreciation of his services and convey to him our good wishes on his retirement.
With regard to the proposed new officer, I am confident that he is perfectly qualified to fill the post and that he will give satisfaction to all members of the Dáil.