andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether the new appointee applied for the post of Director-General of Telefís Éireann; or whether he was nominated for it, and, if so, by whom.
76.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Director-General of Telefís Éireann.
75.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what practical experience of television work the new Director-General of Telefís Éireann has; and how many persons were given the option of the post and rejected it.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together. The person appointed was an applicant for the post and was considered by the Authority to possess outstanding qualifications which singularly fitted him for the position.
In view of the fact that the case was made in relation both to the appointment of Mr. Roth and Mr. Andrews, that the possession of experience in the television industry or in the entertainment world generally was a desirable qualification, why is it that this apparently desirable qualification was not insisted on on this occasion?
It is clearly the function of the Authority to make the appointment and to determine the qualifications which it considers necessary and desirable for the post. The Authority published an advertisement and the qualifications included top-level experience of administration and organisation as well as the other qualifications the Deputy mentioned.
That is equally true in relation to the supplementary I asked in relation to Mr. Roth and Mr. Andrews. Could I ask the Minister to reply to the latter part of my Question?
I have not that information. It is a matter for the Authority.
Another secret service department.
Is the Minister aware that a number of persons, including myself, regard the selection of Mr. McCourt as an excellent choice?
That is very important.