asked the Minister for Justice if Mr. W. Convey of Swinford, County Mayo, has been dismissed by his order from the position of summons server, and, if so, if he will state what were the grounds for the Minister's action, and whether any complaints were received by the Minister for the Gárda or other persons as to the manner in which Mr. Convey discharged the duties of his position, and if such complaints were made, whether Mr. Convey was given an opportunity of answering such complaints.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dismissal of Swinford Summons Server.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Mr. Convey while employed as summons server for the County Mayo identified himself very prominently with politics. He was warned that such conduct was improper having regard to his position, and that unless he undertook to cease his political activities there would be no alternative to his removal from office. He definitely declined to give any such undertaking.
May I take it from the Minister's answer that this man was dismissed from his position because he was a political opponent of the Minister?
He was precluded, just as any other civil servant will be precluded, from interfering in politics.
He was not a civil servant.
He was a part-time civil servant.
At the conclusion of the business this evening I shall raise the subject matter of this question again.