asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the reasons for the long delay in opening Templemore post office, County Tipperary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Templemore (Tipperary) Post Office.
43.
There has been no delay on the part of my Department in the arrangements for the appointment of a new subpostmaster at Templemore.The Deputy will be aware of the circumstances which gave rise to the vacancy and the long continued agitation that followed.
As soon as circumstances permitted, applications for the post were again invited and a number have been received. It was necessary, in accordance with normal practice, to interview the applicants and to make the other usual inquiries before an appointment could be made, but I now expect to be in a position to make an appointment very shortly.
Will the Minister make it clear to the House that he intends to fill this post? As the Minister is aware, the people of Templemore have had to travel seven or eight miles to make and receive telephone calls. Furthermore, as far as Templemore is concerned, many people are under the impression that the Minister is victimising the people of Templemore.
The last sentence in the Deputy's supplementary question conveys an impression which is quite untrue. The subpostmasters selection board which recommends suitable applicants to the Minister made and signed the report on 18th November, that is, three days ago. I have that report now and I will make the appointment as soon as possible.
Before Christmas?
The Deputy is only having a bit of fun.
He is not having a bit of fun. I want to know will the appointment be made before Christmas.
It will be made before Sunday.
Is the Minister aware that Deputy Tierney and others were advocating to keep them closed for ever?
(Interruptions.)