asked the Taoiseach if he will state in relation to the last competitions held by the Local Appointments Commission for the posts of (a) County Engineer, Louth, and (b) Chief Agricultural Officer, Roscommon, the date (1) on which the interviews were held, and (2) on which notification of recommendations was sent to the local authorities concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Posts: Recommendations of Local Appointments Commission.
1.
The interviews in relation to the vacancy for County Engineer, County Louth, were held on the 11th November, 1960, and the Commissioners' recommendation was issued to the local authority on the 8th December, 1960.
The interviews in relation to the vacancy for Chief Agricultural Officer, County Roscommon, and certain other posts of the same grade were held in the period from the 3rd to the 16th March, 1961, and the Commissioners' recommendation was issued to the County Roscommon Committee of Agriculture on 8th May, 1961.
2.
asked the Taoiseach if he will give a list of the appointments made to local authority offices by the Local Appointments Commissioners during the past two years, giving in each case the name and address of the successful applicant.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the list requested by the Deputy would comprise nearly 400 names and addresses— which would probably run to some 25 columns of the Official Report—and I do not consider that the expenditure that would be involved in the compilation and publication of such a list would be justified.
I might add that lists of the names and addresses of persons appointed to local-authority posts, on the recommendation of the Local Appointments Commissioners, are issued, from time to time, by the Commissioners, for publication in the newspapers.
I take it the Tánaiste refuses to give me the list?
I think the Taoiseach has given excellent reasons for not giving the list.
I do not think it is a very good reason. This information is freely available in the Taoiseach's Department and if it is requested it should be given.
The Taoiseach has pointed out that it would occupy 25 columns of the Official Report to give the 400 names and addresses. He has also indicated to the Deputy that the information requested is published from time to time in the newspapers.
I am expected to ferret it out for myself?