asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether it is proposed to appoint certain temporary postmen Grade "A" in Dublin, to established posts on the Postmen Grade "A" class, without examination; and, if so, how many, and whether he will state for what reason this exceptional treatment is being extended to these officers.

The question apparently relates to a number of men who gave their services to the State at the time of the withdrawal of labour in 1922. The number of these persons is 11 and the proposal to appoint them exceptionally now is being made in pursuance of a promise, given by me at the time of their original engagement and approved by the Executive Council, that they would be offered permanent employment, subject to the usual certificate as to good conduct and efficiency but without having to undergo the usual test of examination.

Under what section of the Civil Service Regulation Act are those appointments to be made and those special certificates to be issued?

Section 6 of the Civil Service Regulation Act of 1924, as amended by Section 3 of the Act of last year.

Does the Minister contend that it is in the public interest to appoint people who have given no satisfactory evidence of their educational suitability?

No such suggestion has been made.

Do you propose to subject these people to an educational test?

That is a matter for the Civil Service Commissioners.