asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state in relation to the sub-postoffice at Frenchpark, County Roscommon (a) when the vacancy first occurred, (b) how many local candidates applied, (c) if a suitable person from Frenchpark was recommended, and, if so, why the appointment was not made, (d) the names and addresses of the persons now providing the service and if these persons are acting in a temporary or a permanent capacity, (e) if the premises are rented or owned by one or other of the persons concerned and, if rented, the cost per week and upon whom the cost falls, (f) if one or other of the persons has to use public or private transport to get to Frenchpark and, if so, who pays for it, (g) the total cost per week of running the sub-postoffice at present and the estimated cost per week if a local applicant had been appointed, and (h) when he proposes to make the permanent appointment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Sub-Postoffice
The replies to the Deputy's questions are as follows:
(a) 1st November 1966: notice of resignation was given earlier. (b) Seven local candidates applied. (c) It is not the practice to disclose the nature of recommendations made about applicants for subpostmasterships. (d) Since 1st November Frenchpark sub-postoffice has been staffed by my Department on a temporary basis, pending the appointment of a subpostmaster. A temporary post office clerk and an established telephonist are at present conducting the business of the office, under the guidance of the Postmaster, Castlerea.
The Minister will notice that the Minister for Justice has fled.
(e) The rent of the premises in which the post office is being conducted is being paid by my Department; it is not the practice to disclose the amount paid in respect of premises rented by my Department. The premises are not owned by either of the persons employed in it. (f) Both of the persons concerned use private transport to get to Frenchpark. The cost of this is borne by my Department. (g) The total cost of running the office at present is £43 19s 3d a week. The salary of the new subpostmaster will be about £16 6s a week. (h) I cannot say at this stage when an appointment to the subpostmastership of Frenchpark will be made but the matter will be hastened as much as possible.
Mr. O'Leary
Can the Minister say if he was present at any of the roast duck suppers which I understand were an important feature of the details of this appointment to the staff?
I would love to have a duck supper.
There are some people who are very partial to roast duck who seem to have had a hand in this.
Did the Minister say that he was considering appointing a subpostmaster in Frenchpark?
I said it would be hastened as much as possible.
It would all depend on whether it was Aylesbury duck or not.