asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the recent filling of the post of boilerman at the County Hospital, Tullamore, County Offaly is the cause of much local concern because of the fact that the assistant boilerman who applied for the post was not appointed, and because the post was given to a man with no previous experience; and if he will take steps to have this matter examined.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tullamore Hospital Boilerman.
81.
Mr. O'Malley
My specific approval is not required for the making of an appointment to a post of the type mentioned. The matter is solely one for the Offaly health authority.
I understand that the vacancy was advertised and an appointment was made following interview of a large number of applicants. I am informed that this is the normal procedure adopted by the health authority for appointments of this type.
Is the Minister aware that this matter is considered to be a grave injustice in the town of Tullamore? Is he aware that the appointment is considered to be a political one? Is he further aware that the man appointed was an applicant for the post of assistant boilerman ten years ago and was beaten at the interview by the present assistant boilerman? Is he further aware that a representative of this man's union, the Workers' Union of Ireland, was refused a hearing at a Tullamore council meeting in connection with this grave injustice?
Mr. O'Malley
I am not aware of any of those points.
I am.
Now that the Minister is aware, can he take any action?
Mr. O'Malley
I cannot. As I pointed out, the post of boilerman is classified as employment given by the Offaly health authority. My function is to approve or disapprove of the salary scale. I have no other power in the matter.
Would the Minister give his personal opinion on whether a man who has ten years' experience as assistant boilerman would know more about the job of boilerman than a man who has political pull only?
Mr. O'Malley
I am not aware of these facts.
You could give a comment as to who——
Question No. 82.
Mr. O'Malley
Due to the unsatisfactory nature of the Deputy's supplementary question, I shall go on to Question No. 82.