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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Dec 1977

Vol. 302 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retention of Town Clerks.

19.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by small urban councils in retaining town clerks for any reasonable period of time; and if he has any proposals to remedy the situation.

I am aware that some small urban councils have problems from time to time due to frequent changes of town clerks. This is to some extent unavoidable as a certain proportion of town clerks in small towns will always seek advancement to higher paid posts and it is desirable that they should have reasonable opportunities for advancement. However, the problems which are created for urban councils by frequent changes have been under examination in my Department with a view to finding a reasonable solution. The Local Government Manpower Committee, which was set up to advise on local government manpower problems, has been considering the matter and I expect to have their report on the matter shortly.

Is the Minister aware that the problem is more serious than his reply indicates, bearing in mind in the last ten years we have had about 20 town clerks in Skibbereen? I recall that one of them arrived on a Friday and went away on Monday. This problem also affects other councils. Would the Minister consider writing into the conditions of employment of such officers a condition that they must spend a specific period, even if it is only a few years, in the post?

I agree with the Deputy that they are having trouble in Kinsale and Skibbereen but I am awaiting the report of the Local Government Manpower Committee before considering what action I should take.

Does the Minister expect to be in a position to put forward proposals to meet this problem?

When I get the report I will be in a better position to reply to the Deputy.

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