asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that an advertisement seeking applications for appointment as librarian in the E.S.B. appeared in a British newspaper on 19th April, 1956, but that no such advertisement appeared in an Irish newspaper about the same time, and, if so, if he will ascertain from the board their policy in relation to the placing of such advertisements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Advertisement for E.S.B. Librarian.
Under Section 8 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1927, the appointment of officers and servants of the E.S.B., and the determination of the remuneration to be paid to such officers and servants, are matters reserved to the board. I would suggest that the Deputy should approach the board for any information he requires.
I did not ask the Minister any such question. I asked him if he would ascertain from the board their policy in relation to the placing of advertisements for particular vacancies that occur. Surely the Minister is in a position to give us a reply, when it is a question of policy?
The Deputy should ask a supplementary question, not make an argument.
Is the Minister not in a position to state what the policy of the E.S.B., a State company, is in connection with the filling of appointments?
The Deputy asked a question as to whether I was aware that an advertisement seeking applications for appointment as librarian in the E.S.B. appeared in a British newspaper, etc. I have replied to the Deputy by pointing out that the question of recruitment of a librarian or any other person by the E.S.B. is, under Statute, a function reserved to the board of the E.S.B. Therefore, I have no function regarding the kind of person they recruit, the qualifications of the person they recruit or the steps they take, including advertising, to secure the kind of person they require.
Surely I am entitled to question the Minister as to whether in the national interest it is right to advertise in a paper——
The Deputy is not asking a supplementary question.
May I say that an advertisement for a librarian was inserted by the E.S.B. in the four Irish daily papers?
In order to clarify the position may I point out that that advertisement was not inserted at the same time? It is a poor day for the country when a State company can advertise——
Question No. 9.