asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state in regard to two positions of postman filled this year at Drumcollogher, County Limerick: (1) the names and addresses of the applicants who were considered when these appointments were being made; (2) the names and addresses of the persons appointed; (3) if regard was had to service in the Defence Forces in the making of the appointments, and (4) in respect of each of the applicants listed in (1) whether he served in the Army, the Local Defence Force or the Local Security Force and the years during which such service was rendered.

There were three positions of part-time postman filled this year at Drumcollogher Post Office. Such positions are filled from lists of persons supplied by employment exchanges and from applicants who are already temporarily employed. It would be contrary to practice to furnish the particulars asked for regarding the applicants.

The following applicants, who were considered most suitable, were appointed to the vacant posts:—

In assessing claims and qualifications, regard is had to any service candidates may have had in the Defence Forces during the emergency. Such service is, however, only one of the many factors taken into consideration.

Does the Minister feel free to inform the House how long the names of these three gentlemen were on the register of the unemployment exchange prior to the application being filed with the manager to submit names of suitable candidates? Would it be untrue to say that these names were put on the register as soon as the submission of names for the posts was invited, and that the manager was instructed that, whatever other names were sent up, he was to send up these names?

I have no information to that effect.

Would the Minister inquire?

Was that the practice durng the Deputy's term of office?

That was the practice which, I was informed, obtained in my Department when I became Minister.