asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the reason for the removal from his position as temporary postman at Ballyhahill, County Limerick, of John Quinlivan, a man having a family of six children, and his replacement by a man having no family.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dismissal of Temporary Postman (County Limerick).
When the vacancy arose Mr. Quinlivan was employed in a purely temporary capacity pending the selection of a candidate. This gave him no claim to the appointment and the temporary character of his employment was made clear to him. He was subsequently displaced in favour of a more suitable applicant.
The Deputy's question is misleading. I appointed Mr. Regan because I regarded him as the most suitable for the work and he is not without dependents. It is also wrong to imply that Mr. Quinlivan will suffer financially as a result of the appointment.
I must resent the suggestion that my question is misleading. I should like to know from the Minister if there is anything incorrect in the setting up of the question as submitted to him? I should also like to know why the Minister has found it necessary to cut across the decision of the labour exchange, who, in their impartiality, considered Mr. Quinlivan a most suitable and deserving person? Further, will he point out where was the unsuitability, in view of the fact that Mr. Quinlivan has worked for several years during the Christmas rush in the postal service, whereas the other man has given no such service?
The labour exchange does not make the appointments. In making them, the main consideration must be to get the most suitable man for the post. Other circumstances are only incidental.
With the permission of the Chair, I propose, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, to raise this matter on the Adjournment.