asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the grounds on which the appointment of sub-postmaster at Portsalon, County Donegal, was recently made; and what were the qualifications of the successful candidate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portsalon (Donegal) Sub-Postmaster.
35.
The person recently appointed Sub-Postmistress of Portsalon, Co. Donegal was selected as being the most suitable applicant. It would be contrary to established practice to state the qualifications of any of the applicants for the appointment.
Is the Minister aware that for the past 60 years the sub-post office at Portsalon has been in the possession of the religious minority of this country? Is he also aware that for the past 30 years a Miss Smith has managed the post office for the late postmaster, that Miss Smith is an Irish speaker, that she was an applicant for the position, that she is of the religious minority, and that she could offer the same premises in which the post office was originally situated? Is he further aware that the successful applicant does not reside in the postal area, has no premises in the postal area and has merely leased a building, which is not yet reconstructed, from a Fianna Fáil henchman, that she is closely associated with the Fianna Fáil henchman, that that is the only qualification which she has got and that there is this political or religious bigotry in this connection?
That is an entirely separate question.
I have not been asked in the Question anything about any of the persons who were not successful in relation to this appointment.
I am telling him and he ought to look into the matter again.
Therefore I am not prepared to answer the questions put to me. However, in regard to this person, I am aware that this post office was in the possession of the family for a long number of years. I am aware, of course, of the religious persuasion of this unsuccessful applicant but I am also aware that the office was advertised, that nine people applied and that there were eight people who felt they had equal claim with anybody else to this appointment.
But had not the political pull.
They had an equal claim. The applications were dealt with in the normal way and the appointment was made by me having taken all factors into consideration. I am also aware that the premises offered by this unsuccessful applicant named here by Deputy O'Donnell were under the same roof as a licensed premises.
And had been for 60 years.
And had been, but why should I continue that practice?
And that is the only reason?
I am also aware that the premises were not adjacent to the public thoroughfare.
And have not been for 60 years.
The premises offered by the successful applicant are centrally situated and it is reported to me that the successful applicant is a suitable person.
Jobbery.
(Interruptions.)
The time is past for questions. I cannot allow further supplementaries.