asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been drawn to an article in a Sunday newspaper (details supplied) concerning serious allegations of political patronage in the appointment of rate collectors by Dublin County Council, if he is aware of the strong criticism of this method of appointment expressed from time to time by the ILGPS union; and if any changes are proposed by the Government in the matter.
Written Answers. - Appointment of Rate Collectors.
85.
I have seen the newspaper article referred to. The actual method of selection used for the appointment of county rate collectors is a matter for each county council to decide for itself and while I am aware that, in practice, the method generally used is that of selection by ballot by the elected members it is open to any county council which wishes to do so to decide to use other selection methods, such as written competitive examination or interview. No legislative proposal to remove this power from the elected members is being prepared at present.