asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will now state the location of the proposed new sub-postoffice at Drumcondra, Dublin.
34.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drumcondra (Dublin) Sub-Postoffice.
33.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state specifically the rules for subpostmasters relating to political activity.
35.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will place a copy of the official rules for subpostmasters before the House for the information of Members.
36.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if the newly appointed subpostmaster at Drumcondra, Dublin, will be required to resign as a political party member of Dublin Corporation in pursuance of the rules for subpostmasters.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 to 36 together.
It is not possible to say at this stage where the sub-postoffice at Drumcondra will be located.
The rule regarding politics which applies in the case of subpostmasters is as follows:—
The nature and conditions of Post Office employment render it essential that servants of the Department should maintain a reserve in political matters, that they should not put themselves forward on the side of any political Party and that they should be careful to do nothing that would give colour to any suggestion that their official actions are in any way influenced, or capable of being influenced, by Party motives. The action of any servant of the Department who identifies himself actively or publicly with political matters is indefensible, and such conduct is detrimental to the interests of the Service as a whole.
The following directions are laid down for general guidance:—
(i) Dáil Éireann Election Committees. A servant of the Department shall not be a member of an Association or serve on a Committee having for its object the promotion of the interests of a political Party or the promotion or prevention of the return of a particular candidate to the Dáil.
(ii) Neutrality. A Servant of the Department shall not support or oppose any particular candidate or Party either by public speaking or writing.
(iii) Public Political Comment. A Servant of the Department shall not make any verbal statements in public (or which are liable to be published), and shall not contribute to newspapers or other publications any letters or articles conveying information, comment or criticism on any matter of current political interest, or which concerns the political action or position of the Government or of any member or group of members of the Oireachtas.
The foregoing directions apply to the action of an official whether taken by himself alone or in association with others. Should any departure from official impartiality occur it will be followed by disciplinary action.
Official rules for subpostmasters are contained in various books of rules and in departmental circulars issued from time to time. I do not consider that it would be either appropriate or desirable to place copies of all of these before the House but I am prepared to furnish on request a copy of any rule in which a Deputy may be interested provided that it would not be contrary to the public interest to do so.
The candidate selected for appointment as subpostmaster, Drumcondra, will be required to sever his political Party affiliation in Dublin Corporation before taking up the appointment.
If I repeat this question next week, will the Minister then be able to state the location of the sub-postoffice?
I do not know whether I would be in a position to do so next week.
Then if I repeat the question next month?
I do not know. The Deputy can put down a question.
As this man was coopted to the corporation and was not elected, will he resign?
As I said, he will be required to sever his connection with the political Party in the Dublin Corporation.
Will he be required to resign as chairman, or cathaoirleach, or whatever it is, of the cumman?
Yes. We can deal with that.
How will we know?
That question could be answered by one of the honorary secretaries of the organisation concerned.
Can the Minister say whether the person appointed will be permitted to sit as an independent member?
He will, yes.
Is the Minister aware that the person appointed was reported in yesterday's Irish Times as having stated that he had premises available for a post office?
Yes, I understand he has.
If he has premises available, why is the Minister not able to disclose the information?
A decision on the suitability of the premises has not yet been arrived at.
As crude a piece of corrupt jobbery——
It is ridiculous to suggest that four years as an assistant should entitle a person to succeed to the position.
A 69 year old man who draws two pensions is not entitled to push aside——
(Interruptions.)
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, Sir, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.