asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether, in view of the dissatisfaction that frequently arises over the appointment of sub-postmasters where vacancies occur, he will consider as a measure of public policy the purchase or erection of premises suitable for sub-post offices and have the appointment to posts as sub-postmasters the responsibility of the Civil Service Commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Sub-Postmasters.
In relation to the rather large number of appointments of sub-postmasters made each year, the number of cases in which there is any evidence of dissatisfaction is small. For instance, in the three years ended 31st October last there were 302 appointments of sub-postmasters, divided almost equally between new appointments and transfers, but over the same period only nine cases were the subject of parliamentary questions. This is, no doubt, due to the painstaking work of the officers and the selection committee in assessing the claims of applicants. Where there is dissatisfaction, it is usually confined to unsuccessful applicants.
I have not received personally a single complaint from the public about the service given by the person appointed, while the number of complaints dealt with by district post-masters or officers of the Department is negligible. Sub-postmasters, of whom there are over 2,000, give an efficient and economical service and I see no advantage but, rather, considerable disadvantage and enormous expense, in replacing them by a Civil Service class housed in Government-owned premises.
Surely the Minister is not serious when he submits that in only nine cases in the past three years has dissatisfaction been expressed about the appointment of sub-postmasters and sub-post-mistresses. Would he not consider the suggestion which is made in the question, having regard to the way in which local authorities get premises for use as dispensaries—they rent them or build them? If the Minister does not adopt the method that I have put forward in all seriousness and sincerity, he should try to devise some other method of making these appointments because the country believe——
The Deputy is making a speech.
It may be a useful one. The country believe that these appointments are made purely on a system of patronage. That may have been the case before the Minister's time and before the previous Minister's time. Perhaps it has always been done. That system will obtain unless a new method is devised.
It will be done now more than ever.