asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will name the new Chairman of CIE, and state the qualifications for the appointment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Chairman.
3.
The appointment of the new Chairman of CIE will be announced by the Government in due course.
There are no special qualifications prescribed by statute for the post.
Might I ask the Minister if he has seen week-end reports in provincial newspapers that Mr. Frank Lemass, brother of the Taoiseach, is about to be appointed?
That does not arise from the question.
It does not arise.
Will the Minister deny these reports?
No decision has been made in regard to the appointment of the Chairman of CIE.
Is there any truth in these reports?
I said that no decision has been made by the Government. It is a Government appointment.
Will the Minister now take steps to deny these reports?
All these questions do not arise.
They are feathering their nests before they get out.
The Minister may expect a revolt in this country if Mr. Frank Lemass is appointed.
Mr. O'Malley
He would be the best choice in the country because he has done more for CIE than any other person. I would appoint him if I had my way.
If the Opposition continue in this vein, it will be impossible to get any competent persons whatever to take part in the life of nationalised companies. There has been a lot of propaganda about Dr. Andrews and his salary and retirement benefit. If the Deputy is made aware of the fact that to get a competent sales manager for a private industry with a turnover of £250,000 requires a salary of £3,000 to £4,000, then perhaps the Deputy will stop talking as he has been. This kind of talk only brings into disrepute the appointment of any person to any State company in any capacity and well the Deputy knows it.