asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will give a summary of the qualifications held by a successful applicant for appointment as postman at Portnoo, County Donegal; and why Bernard McHugh, former member of the I.R.A., a medal holder and a native Irish speaker with 18 years' service in the Defence Forces, was not appointed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of County Donegal Postman.
59.
A postman appointment was not made recently at Portnoo sub-office, County Donegal. I assume that the appointment the Deputy has in mind is one at Clooney sub-post Office, County Donegal for which five persons including Mr. Bernard McHugh were nominated by the local employment exchange. This post was filled in the usual way from the list of exchange nominees and the man selected was the most suitable applicant. It is 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.
Is the Minister aware that a communication which I received from the Minister for Finance stated that for lower posts persons with I.R.A. service are given priority?
The responsible Minister, in making appointments such as these, has the right to make exceptions and I accept responsibility for making an exception in this case.
Then we have two answers: one from the Minister for Finance and one from the Minister for Post and Telegraphs?
No, one is a general direction.