With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 75 together.
The main qualifications taken into account in the selection of candidates for appointment as subpostmasters include suitability of applicant, suitability of premises offered and financial stability of applicant. The fact that an applicant had experience as a sub-post office assistant would be taken into account in assessing personal suitability.
Vacancies for subpostmasters are filled following local advertisement, or by transfer of the office to a near relative if certain conditions are fulfilled. Where a vacancy has been advertised candidates are interviewed and the premises offered by them are inspected, usually by the local Head Postmaster who furnishes a report to headquarters; the report and applications are examined by a selection board consisting of senior officers of the Department. In each case the selection board recommends not more than three candidates as suitable for appointment and the Minister appoints one of the candidates recommended by the Board.