asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state (a) whether in September, 1956, a vacancy occurred for the position of permanent auxiliary postman in Drinagh sub-post office, County Cork, (b) if a person without means who had satisfactory temporary service, and who fulfilled all the statutory requirements, was appointed to the post on 6th October, (c) whether that person having served in the post for some weeks was peremptorily dismissed and replaced by another person, and (d) the circumstances of the dismissal and of the appointment of the other person.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drinagh (Cork) Auxiliary Postman.
As I explained in reply to the previous question, vacancies for auxiliary postmen are filled from lists supplied by Employment Exchanges and from persons already temporarily employed. When the vacancy arose at Drinagh Sub-Post Office, the Employment Exchange was unable to supply any names and a man was taken on direct. Shortly afterwards it came to notice that there were, in fact, unemployed persons in the area. The first appointment was accordingly cancelled and the Employment Exchange was again approached. Two names were now supplied and the claims and qualifications of these persons, together with those of the person who had been taken on direct were. considered. In the outcome, one of the persons nominated by the Exchange was selected as the most suitable. No question of statutory requirements arises in auxiliary postmen appointments and the appointments are not permanent but temporary and terminable without notice. In this case the man discharged was given a fortnight's notice.
Is the Minister aware that the man referred to in the question had been doing temporary duty, was the orphan son of an Old I.R.A. man, was registered in the Labour Exchange, was appointed and was subsequently dismissed? Is the Minister aware of that?
I was not aware of the boy's parentage. I was aware that he was 19 years old and unemployed and living with his brother who is working in a creamery.
Is the Minister aware that he was registered at the Labour Exchange, and the only one registered at the time?
He was not submitted through the Labour Exchange at all.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy in the course of the afternoon.