asked the Minister for Local Government if he will indicate the considerations which influenced him towards rejecting the proposal of the Dublin City Manager that three positions as inspector in the Cleansing Department, Dublin Corporation, be filled from among officers or employees of the corporation and ordering the city manager to restrict his selection of candidates to the employee grade, thus debarring members of the officer grade from competing; if he will state whether he has considered the implications of his refusal on the morale of the corporation service; if he will state whether the persons when appointed to these position—from competing for which he has debarred officers—will, on appointment, be officers; and if he will now reconsider his decision and allow officers, as well as employees, to compete for the vacant officerships as proposed by the city manager.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation Inspectors.
Mr. Murphy
The decision to confine to employees the competition for the three positions of inspector in the Cleansing Department was made in accordance with my general policy of favouring as far as possible advancement by promotion in the local services and on consideration of representations made by the employees' union. I do not anticipate any ill effects on the morale of the corporation service. On the contrary I consider the encouragement given to the wage earners should have a good effect. The persons appointed will be officers. There are many avenues of promotion for clerical officers in the local service from which employees are excluded. I do not propose to reconsider my decision.
Will the Minister say what will be the effect upon the officers of the corporation who hitherto have had this avenue for promotion open to them? Are they going to be dissatisfied?
Mr. Murphy
I have nothing further to add to the reply which I have given.
But the Minister must answer that question by saying "Yes" or "No". Are they likely to be dissatisfied, and how will it affect their morale?
Mr. Murphy
I have answered the question I have been asked. If the Deputy has any further question to put to me he knows well how to go about it.
Is this definitely class administration?
It is not partisan.