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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 Jun 1949

Vol. 116 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Council Lorry Driver.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the position of lorry driver in connection with the county council housing scheme in Kilmacthomas, County Waterford, was not advertised either in the local papers or at the employment exchanges of the district and was filled by the selection of an agricultural tractor driver who had no previous experience of lorry driving; and that there were two experienced lorry drivers registered at the exchange who were married and had families; and, if so, whether he will explain the circumstances in which the inexperienced man was employed in preference to men with considerable experience.

The recruitment of skilled workers for direct labour housing schemes is not subject to my sanction, and, apart from general directions from me, is left largely to the discretion of local authorities. My directions include a requirement that an absolute preference be given to men who are known to be competent and conscientious.

I have had inquiries made in the case referred to by the Deputy and I have been informed that the man engaged as lorry driver in the Kilmacthomas area was selected by an official of the Waterford County Council duly authorised to do so, and that the man engaged was considered to be the most suitable of the four men who were known to be available for the post. He is stated to have had two years' experience as lorry driver. He is married and has a family.

It was not considered necessary to advertise as the appointment was a matter of urgency and, as indicated, four local men were known to be available.

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