asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will indicate the considerations that led to the discharge of Mr. Edmond Sullivan from the job of auxiliary postman at Banemore, Listowel, and the appointment of another man in his place.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Auxiliary Postman.
Mr. O'Sullivan was temporarily employed on a vacant auxiliary postman position at Listowel pending a permanent appointment being made. His claims and qualifications were carefully considered with those of the other eight candidates nominated by the exchange authorities but the circumstances did not admit of his selection. The most suitable candidate was appointed.
Will the Minister tell us if it is Government policy to give preference to applicants, all things being equal, who have had national service?
I am sure the Deputy must be aware that this man's national service was two days in the National Army and that he was demobbed— dismissed.
Is the Minister aware that the person who was dismissed from this job had been actually in it for one and a half years and had given national service? Why is it that he was dismissed and that another person who had not the same national service was put in his place?
He failed to report for military duty in September, 1939; he was apprehended on the 9th November, 1940; he was demobilised on 11th idem, and he was finally discharged on the 14th December of the same year, having given two days' national service.
Will the Minister state what national service the person who did succeed in getting the post had?
Whatever service he had he did not fail to report after two days.
Was he a member of a Clann na Poblachta cumann?
Is it not a fact that the person who was appointed happened to be the secretary of the local Labour branch, and that that was his qualification?
I am not aware of his political affiliations. He was recommended by a Deputy. The fact that he had the support of a political party should not debar him, all things being equal.
There were two applicants from a Fianna Fáil club.
Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I propose, with permission of the Chair, to raise this matter on the Adjournment to-night.