asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he has received a protest from a large number of influential residents in the Dunfanaghy district against the appointment of Mr. Hugh O'Duffy as Postmaster of Dunfanaghy, and if he can state on what grounds Mr. O'Duffy, who was not a resident of that district, and who, it is stated, did not make application within the prescribed period, received preference over local applicants whose claims were supported by the chief residents of that postal area; and whether in making the appointment he was aware of the number of appointments already held by Mr. O'Duffy, including Registrar of District Court, Pay Clerk Local Unemployment Relief Works, County Councillor, and Member of the County Board of Health.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DUNFANAGHY POSTMASTERSHIP.
A protest was received against the appointment of Mr. O'Duffy, but protests were also received against the appointment of the local candidate in whom the Deputy was interested. The appointment was carried out on the usual lines, full consideration having been given to the ability and character of the candidates. Mr. O'Duffy has a fluent knowledge of the Irish language, an essential qualification held only by one other candidate for the position. He had also previous service in the Department as a rural deliverer. Mr. O'Duffy does not follow any occupations prohibited by service regulations.
Will the Minister say whether Mr. O'Duffy's application was in in time in accordance with the terms of the advertisement issued for the position?
No, it was not, but none of the original applicants had the necessary qualifications.
Might I ask the Minister whether there is any connection between the date of the appointment and the by-election in Donegal?
Not that I know of.
Could the Minister say whether it is not usual to readvertise in such a case, if there are not sufficient applications within the period?
Both courses are resorted to.
Is the Minister not aware that Mr. O'Duffy was the selected candidate of the Cumann na nGaedheal party for the constituency of Donegal at the by-election, that he stood down and immediately afterwards he was appointed as Postmaster of this place?
Now it is coming out.
I presume the Minister is not aware of that?