asked the Taoiseach (a) when the position of dispensary doctor in Stamullen, County Meath, became vacant, (b) the date on which the advertisement for his successor was published, (c) the date on which the applicants were interviewed by the Local Appointments Commission, (d) the date on which it is proposed to fill the vacancy, and (e) the name of the successful applicant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stamullen (Meath) Dispensary Doctor.
2.
The position of district medical officer for the Stamullen dispensary district became vacant on the 16th April, 1963. The Local Appointments Commission received the notification of the vacancy on the 13th July, 1963, and advertised the vacancy, with others, on the 21st January, 1964. For an explanation of this delay, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question in this House on the 29th January last.
The applicants for the position were interviewed between the 2nd and the 7th March, and, on the 1st June, a person was recommended to the local authority for appointment to the post. The making, and the effective date, of the appointment are matters for the local authority.
It is the practice of the Local Appointments Commission not to publish the name of a successful candidate until they have been notified that he has signified his acceptance of the position.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that over 15 months is too long to have a dispensary district without a resident doctor?
It is the practice of the Local Appointments Commission to advertise a group of vacancies of this kind together. They await the advertisement of any particular vacancy until they have such a group to announce.
Would the Taoiseach not agree it is a practice that might usefully be discontinued?
No.
It is a matter of saving a few shillings.
It is also a very convenient arrangement for applicants.