asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the present holder of the position of assistant county surveyor for the Carrickmacross area is also town surveyor for Carrickmacross and appointed officer under the Housing Acts for a large portion of the county; and, if so, whether he will state in detail the technical qualifications of the official in question.

I am aware that the same person holds these offices. As to his qualifications, he has been assistant county surveyor since 1909 and town surveyor since 1910. I have no information as to his technical training.

Will the Minister agree that this official has given very good service in connection with the Housing Acts?

I have no information on that matter.

Will the Minister agree that those duties are quite common with regard to engineers employed by county councils?

The Deputy will understand that it is quite impossible for me to say how duties are arranged all over the country.

The Minister agrees it is not unusual.