asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state, in regard to the recent appointment of an auxiliary postman in Kanturk, County Cork, how many applications there were for this post; what qualifications were regarded as necessary for it; what methods of selection were used in filling it; how many (1) married men and (2) single men applied for it; what educational qualifications were regarded as necessary for it; how many of the applicants for it had Army service; and if such service was taken into consideration when making the appointment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kanturk (Cork) Auxiliary Postman.
94.
The vacancy for an auxiliary postman in Kanturk, County Cork, was filled in September, 1961, from a list of persons nominated by the employment exchange. Applicants for appointment as auxiliary postmen must in general be between 18 and 50 years of age, be able to read and write, be in good health, live within a three miles radius of the office of employment and be not less than 5 feet 2 inches in height.
And be a member of a Fianna Fáil cumann.
That would be an advantage. Four persons, two married and two single, were considered for the Kanturk vacancy; they were interviewed locally and the most suitable qualified person was appointed, recommended by a Fine Gael Deputy. It would be contrary to practice to furnish any information regarding the claims or qualifications of applicants as this would entail disclosing information obtained in confidence concerning these persons.
The Minister has disclosed some confidential information already. He has stated that this postman in Kanturk was appointed on the representations of a Fine Gael Deputy.
I said he was recommended by one.
Is it now to be assumed that recommendations from the Fine Gael Party are essential?
It need not be assumed.
It would not be half as good as the recommendation of a Fianna Fáil cumann.