asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that a young girl was appointed water rent collector for Kilkee, a position for which several ex-Army men, some with family responsibilities, had applied; and, if so, whether he will state the qualifications necessary to carry out the duties of water rent collector and why preference was not given to ex-members of the National Army in this particular case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Rent Collector, Kilkee.
Mr. Murphy
I am aware that an appointment was made recently to the post of water rent collector for Kilkee. The post is a minor office and the filling of the vacancy was the responsibility of the county manager. The conditions of appointment included a requirement that marks be awarded for service in the Defence Forces. I am informed that marks were so awarded to eligible candidates, that the post was filled after interview and examination, and that the person appointed secured the highest marks. With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I shall circulate with the Official Report a statement of the qualifications declared by me for the post.
Statement of Qualifications:
Each candidate must:—
(1) be of good character;
(2) be not less than 21 years and must be under 45 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving application forms occurs;
(a) the upper age limit will not apply in the case of existing pensionable officers of local authorities;
(b) candidates who have had service in the Defence Forces or the auxiliary Defence Forces may make the deductions from their ages provided for in the regulations made by the Minister;
(3) be free from any defect or disease which would render him unsuitable to hold office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service;
(4) satisfy the local authority that his education generally is such as will enable him to perform satisfactorily the duties of the office.
Apropos of the Minister's reply, may I ask if the appointee had any of these qualifications as set out in the question?
Mr. Murphy
I understand that the position is that not alone did the candidate obtain the highest number of marks but that she was also eligible in accordance with the qualifications prescribed.