asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state (a) the method of selection of the consultant on the proposed reconstruction of Youghal bridge by the Cork County Council, (b) the names of the members of the selection board, if any, set up, (c) the names, qualifications and experience in such work of the applicants, (d) the reasons, if any, why the bridge committee set up by the joint county councils of Cork and Waterford had no voice in the selection of such consultant and were not informed of the name of the consultant appointed, (e) if he will state why proposals connected with the expenditure of close on £500,000 of ratepayers' and taxpayers' money were dealt with in this manner, and (f) if the names and qualifications of the applicants for the position were submitted to his Department, and, if so, if any recommendation was made by the Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Youghal Bridge Consultant.
The Deputy is asking for detailed information in relation to a recent appointment by Cork County Council which I am not in a position to give him since it is not available in my Department, nor indeed would it be proper for my Department to seek information on some of these points. I can say, however, that this appointment was made following a review by a selection board set up locally of applications received in response to public advertisement. I am informed also that the name of the successful candidate was circulated to all members of the Cork County Council when the appointment was made and also that it was notified to the secretary of the Waterford County Council.
I cannot accept the Deputy's implication that the normal procedure general to appointments of this nature was not followed. The only name submitted to my Department was that of the successful candidate and no objecttion was seen to the appointment. The local authority was so informed on 5th April last.