asked the Minister for Finance how many guides will be employed on the Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary, this year; and if he will give preferential treatment to local students.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rock of Cashel.
28.
It is hoped to employ a total of six guides at the Rock of Cashel this summer. The posts will be advertised locally in the first instance and if enough suitable candidates apply they will be appointed.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state what standards will be required?
It is not intended this year to confine the guides to university students. In addition to advertising for guides in the local papers, the secondary schools in the area will be notified. It is expected that as a result of those measures there will be an adequate response from suitable candidates.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary ensure that the people who are considered suitable and who are selected are those who are most in the need of the money during the summer period for family purposes?
I am sure that is taken into consideration.
On what basis will the guides be selected?
They will be selected on the basis of suitability. We have had tremendous co-operation from the local regional tourist organisation in this matter and selection will be made on the basis of suitability.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state who employs these people? Is it the local regional tourist organisation or the Board of Works?
It is the Board of Works.
In view of widespread rumours and previous dissertations by some of the Ministers in this House, will the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that membership of a local Fianna Fáil cumann will not be an advantage——
We object to that remark. We do not have to carry on with that kind of thing.
To repeat an expression of one of my predecessors: "All things being equal."
Some are more equal than others.
29.
asked the Minister for Finance (a) the total expenditure by the Office of Public Works on the upkeep of the Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary; and (b) the total of moneys collected in 1969.
(a) Since 1955 expenditure of the order of £11,000 has been incurred on the upkeep of St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel.
(b) In the financial year 1969-70 the amount collected by way of admission fees was approximately £3,000.