asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether a vacancy for a position of auxiliary postman at Birr, County Offaly, was recently filled by a person who was a resident of the United States of America for the past ten years; whether applications for this vacancy were invited and submitted through the local labour exchange, and whether any of the local applicants had previously served in a similar capacity for a number of years; whether the application of the person appointed was made direct to the Minister, or through the local postmaster, and full particulars of his previous service, if any, in the Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Postal Appointment.
The vacancy for part-time postman at Birr was filled by an officer who had been formerly employed in a similar capacity at Cahirciveen from 11th September, 1913, to 19th April, 1918, when he was dismissed for political reasons, and whose reinstatement as a part-time postman was recommended by the Committee of Inquiry on Reinstatement of Civil Servants. In the circumstances, it was not necessary to invite applications locally for the position, as is the normal practice.
Would the Minister say if this man is an American or an Irish citizen?
An Irish citizen.
Is it a fact that he has been in America for ten years?
It is a fact that he was in America as a victimised worker —a man who was victimised for political reasons. He went to America in order to secure work which he could not secure at home. He was recommended for re-instatement by the committee that went into the matter of the reinstatement of civil servants, and that is exactly what we have done in his case.
Why did the Minister not find employment for him in his own constituency?
Why does Deputy Davin object to a man, who lost his job in serving Ireland being reinstated?
The question was addressed to the Minister.