asked the Postmaster-General how many rural sub-post offices were temporarily closed down on the 1st of May, 1923, in Co. Clare; whether the persons ordinarily employed therein received full salary during the period of enforced idleness; whether new appointments were made during the period of suspension. If the answer to the third portion of the question is in the affirmative, to further ask the Postmaster-General to disclose the method of selection, and if those selected received salary from the date of their appointment or from their taking up work; and to ask that, having due regard to economy, the Postmaster General will in future fill those positions and posts by tender, coupled with the necessary guarantees.

The information asked for is not available at present, but I have taken steps to obtain it and will communicate with the Deputy on the subject at an early date.