asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware of the very long delay in making a permanent appointment of a medical officer for Coolmountain dispensary district, County Cork; and, if so, if he will state the reason for the delay; and if the appointment in question will be now made.

It has been found difficult by the Local Appointments Commissioners to recommend a qualified and suitable candidate with a good knowledge of Irish for this dispensary district. The Coolmountain position was recently readvertised and arrangements are being made by the commissioners to interview the applicants during the present month. It is hoped that a permanent appointment will be made before the end of this year.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whose duty it is to determine the suitability of a candidate as distinct from his professional qualifications? Does that duty devolve on the Local Appointments Commissioners or is it one reserved to the Minister?

It is the duty of the Local Appointments Commissioners.

All the qualifying qualities in a candidate are assessed by the Local Appointments Commissioners, in so far as suitability is concerned, where professional or technical qualifications arise, those having been laid down by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health in consultation with the Local Appointments Commissioners, prior to publication?

Yes.

Then the candidate most closely approximating to the Minister's requirements, who is most suitable in the eyes of the commissioners and who has a sufficient knowledge of Irish is entitled to the appointment?

Yes.