asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will make a statement on the appointment of head postmasters in Athlone, County Westmeath, and Portlaoise, County Laois; if normal procedures were followed in both cases; and if the persons recommended were appointed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Postmaster Appointments.
The claims and qualifications of all applicants were considered in accordance with normal practice and the applicant regarded as the most suitable was appointed in each case.
May I ask the Minister if the No. 1 person recommended was appointed by him?
The recommendations come to the Minister of State, who happens to be myself, and the candidate most suitable in each case was appointed.
I am asking a straightforward question. Did the Minister appoint No. 1, 2 or 3 in Athlone and No. 1, 2 or 3 in Portlaoise? Furthermore, if he goes back over the files he will find that when I was Minister——
The Deputy must ask a question.
Did the Minister appoint No. 1 in Athlone and No. 1 in Portlaoise? Yes or no?
As I have already stated, the people most suited in each case were appointed.
May I allege that the Minister did not appoint No. 1 in Athlone and No. 1 in Portlaoise?
The Deputy may say anything he likes. He does not have to prove it while he is in here.
The Minister is admitting the situation. I wish to raise on the Adjournment the unsatisfactory reply to this question.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.