asked the Minister for Local Government whether he received a protest, some months ago, concerning the action of the county manager for Laoighis in connection with the appointment of a caretaker for the Stradbally waterworks scheme; and if he will state what action, if any, he has taken or proposes to take concerning this complaint.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of a Caretaker.
I received the complaint referred to and caused inquiries to be made locally. The vacancy was advertised and those applicants who were considered suitable were interviewed by a selection board set up for the purpose. The candidate placed first in order of merit by the board was appointed by the County Manager. The prescribed procedure for appointments of this nature was followed. The making of the appointment was entirely a matter for the county manager.
Following on a complaint by an unsuccessful candidate, my Department addressed an inquiry to the local authority and were informed that the successful candidate, who is 32 years of age, had 6½ years' service with the Defence Forces, qualified as a driver-mechanic and also underwent routine fire-fighting training in the Forces. Furthermore, that he was employed as lorry driver with Córas Iompair Eireann in Carlow during the corn and beet season and by the Office of Public Works on dredger work on the Barrow drainage scheme. The local authority also state that he resides from 1½ to 2 miles from the town of Stradbally, beside which the waterworks service tank is situated and his residence is about nine miles from the furthest intake of the waterworks. Finally, that he has given complete satisfaction since his appointment as caretaker.
Can the Minister say whether the successful candidate was recommended either by the county engineer or by the consulting engineer?
I am unable to say that.