asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state when the position of sub-postmaster in Baltinglass became vacant, and the number of applicants for the position; and, if the position has been filled, the name of the person appointed and his qualifications.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sub-Postmaster.
The sub-postmistress of Baltinglass tendered her resignation on 14th April last and there were two applicants for the vacancy. The appointment has been conferred on Mr. Michael T. Farrell, who was considered the most suitable candidate.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the applicant who was rejected had 13 years' satisfactory service in the Post Office, that she had been acting post-mistress for a number of years, that the premises in question were transferred to her by her aunt who had retired on the understanding that she would retain the position, and that the person appointed had no previous experience in the Post Office service?
I am aware that the second candidate, who was not given the appointment, was working in this sub-post office for quite a considerable time, but she was not an employee of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. In the selection of candidates for these posts, and this post in particular, suitability of premises, the character of the applicant and the financial stability are taken into consideration. In the case of Mr. Michael T. Farrell, who has been appointed, it was considered that he was suitable in every respect, including the premises which he had.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this post office has been carried on exclusively in a very suitable premises, in which no other business was carried out? Is he further aware that the business has been transferred now to a public house, which has been the headquarters of the Minister's Party in West Wicklow and that the position has been given to the son of a county councillor, a member of the Minister's Party?
Mr. Brennan
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the high feeling of resentment that obtains at the present time in the Baltinglass area and the surrounding area at the action of the Minister in refusing to confer on the lady referred to by Deputy Cogan the position of sub-postmistress of Baltinglass, in view of the fact that that position has been held in the family for the past 70 or 80 years, with credit to the family and to the lady concerned, who has been there for 13 years and has given 100 per cent. first-class service during that period? Was it necessary to change the existing regulations in order that the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs could confer this position on Mr. Michael T. Farrell?
It certainly was.
I am not concerned about the political affiliations of either of the two candidates, nor do I think it fair to associate affiliations with any particular Party with either of the two applicants. I would like also to say that it is untrue that the premises now held by Farrell is in the nature of a public house; that is not correct.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, I desire to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment.