asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the City Manager, Cork, recently dismissed a number of men some of whom had been employed by the Cork Corporation for a number of years; that no notice of the intended dismissal was given; that some such employees have many dependents, and if a full inquiry into the circumstances will be instituted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dismissals by City Manager, Cork.
Under the Cork City Management Act, 1929, the City Manager decides all questions that may arise in relation to the service of workmen in the employment of the Corporation. His actions in this regard are not subject to the approval of the Corporation or the Minister. So far as it is in the Manager's power to do so. I have no doubt he will be prepared to consider any legitimate cause of complaint.
Mr. Murphy
Will the Minister inquire whether it is not a fact that one employee of the Cork Corporation for 35 years was dismissed, and that 17 others with periods of very considerable service were dismissed, on half an hour's notice recently, and in view of this, and many other indications of the abuse of power by the City Manager in Cork at the present time, would the Minister consider examining into the position with a view to restoring to the elected members of Cork some control in important matters of this kind?
First of all I have no power to interfere so far as the workmen of the Corporation and the City Manager are concerned. Any likely change which the Deputy suggests would mean legislation, and I do not propose at the present time to bring in any amending legislation.
Mr. Murphy
Would the Minister consider the matter with a view to putting it before his colleagues of the Executive Council as to whether there is any ground for legislation in connection with the action of the Cork City Manager?
The Corporation has not made any representation.
Mr. Murphy
The Cork Corporation does not exist at the present time—the Manager is the Corporation.
That is not so.