asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether the Government is represented on, or has nominated any person to, the board of any telephonic or telegraphic company or corporation or any committee concerned with telephonic or telegraphic communications, inter-Imperial or otherwise, and, if so, if he will state the name of the company or committee, the person so nominated or representing the Government on such board or committee, the terms and conditions of such person's appointment, and whether he or she receives any fee, salary, allowance or emolument whatsoever in connection with such appointment, and, if so, if he will state the amount thereof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telegraphic or Telephonic Boards.
Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. Connolly)
On 23rd April, 1929, it was decided that the Government be represented on the Imperial Communications Advisory Committee by the High Commissioner or his Secretary, and the fee payable to the Saorstát representative be accepted and credited to State Funds, and that it would not be payable to any individual official.
On the 20th August, 1929, it was decided that it was undesirable that the position should be held by a member of the Civil Service. It was agreed that the holder of the office should be a person with sufficient time and leisure to enable him to study adequately the subjects falling for consideration by the Committee.
It was decided that the then representative, Mr. T. J. Kiernan, Secretary to the High Commissioner, should be relieved of the post and should be replaced by Dr. Thomas O'Higgins, T.D., who should be entitled to receive the appropriate fee—£500 per year.
It is understood from the Department of External Affairs that the present High Commissioner replaced Dr. O'Higgins following a decision of the late Executive Council dated 7th March last. He receives no extra emolument in connection with the appointment nor do any special conditions attach thereto. The Government is not represented on any other body connected with telephonic or telegraphic communications.