asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state in relation to the appointment of a sub-postmaster at Barndarrig, County Wicklow (a) the date the position was advertised, (b) the number of applications received, (c) the number interviewed and (d) the qualifications of the successful applicant for the appointment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Couny Wickow Sub-postmaster.
104.
I assume the question refers to the appointment of a sub-postmaster at Kilbride, County Wicklow. The vacancy for a sub-postmaster at Kilbride was advertised from 16th October, 1970 to 30th October, 1970. Two applications were received and both applicants were interviewed. It would be contrary to established practice to state the qualifications of the successful candidate but the main qualifications required of candidates for appointment as a sub-postmaster are an adequate education, a good character, sound financial standing and they must also be able to offer suitable premises for the sub-post office business.
The Minister omitted to mention the most important qualification, which is membership of a Fianna Fáil cumann.
To my knowledge, all the qualifications enumerated by the Minister, except the one of financial standing, were higher in the case of the person who did not succeed in his application. Also, he was the younger man of the two, and his premises were more centrally located and, perhaps, larger. Can the Minister say if it was because of his financial standing that this man failed.
I understand that the person who was appointed was the most suitable applicant.
Question No. 105 withdrawn.