asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement regarding the relinquishing recently by Professor Janossy of his appointment in the School of Cosmic Physics; and if he will further state when Professor Janossy was appointed to this post, the scale of salary applicable and by whom his appointment was confirmed; whether his credentials were inquired into on that occasion; whether the professor resigned his position, and what was the nature of any communication which was made by him on the occasion of his leaving for Hungary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Professor's Resignation.
Professor Janossy was appointed by the President, on the advice of the Government, to the post of senior professor on the 1st July, 1947, at a salary of £1,500 a year. His high academic qualifications and experience were well known. I am not aware that any other credentials were inquired into in his regard.
He resigned his position by formal letter to the Taoiseach, for submission to the President. His resignation, as well as his appointment, was strictly in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Institute for Advanced Studies (School of Cosmic Physics) Establishment Order, 1947.
In his letter of resignation he expressed his thanks to the Government for the excellent facilities for scientific work which were afforded to him while a member of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.
Could the Minister give the House any further information as to the contents of the professor's letter to the Taoiseach before he left this country for Hungary?
The Deputy will be disappointed.
Nevertheless, I would like to hear it.
You are going to hear it.
The letter of resignation is as follows:—
"Your Excellency,
Following my appointment to a Chair in the University of Budapest I should be glad if you would submit to the President my resignation as Senior Professor in the School of Cosmic Physics of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies to take effect as from the 15th October, 1950.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the Government of Éire for the excellent facilities for scientific work which were afforded to me while a member of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.
Yours faithfully,
L. JANOSSY."
That will clear the air.