asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state what the procedure is when it is necessary to fill vacancies for the position of temporary postman.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vacancies for Temporary Postmen.
Temporary postmen are ordinarily recruited through the employment exchange authorities upon whom the primary selection of candidates devolves. When a vacancy arises the nearest employment exchange is notified and a candidate is selected from those put forward by the exchange.
Do I understand from the Minister that the person recommended by the employment exchange is the person who is employed as the temporary postman?
A list comes up from the exchange of people who are suitable and a selection is made by the postal officials. The only consideration that enters into the selection if all the candidates are suitable is the extent of a man's domestic responsibilities.
Do I understand from the Minister that having received a list from the nearest labour exchange the postmaster or sub-postmaster is required to give the appointment to the person on that list who has the largest domestic responsibilities?
Arising out of the Minister's answer does the Minister know that previously people used to be promised temporary employment in the post office if they worked for particular parties at election time?
I am quite aware of that.
Will the Minister answer my question?
I think the Deputy's question has already been answered. A list comes forward of people suitable and if the postal officials find that all the candidates are of equal suitability the post is given to the man who has the greatest number of dependants.
Will the Minister answer Deputy Norton's question?
I am quite well aware of the fact that during the Cumann na nGaedheal life-time every job that could be given for political purposes was given.
Is that continuing?