asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if a new subpostmaster has been appointed to Drumcondra Road subpostoffice, Dublin; and, if so, if he will state the name of the person appointed, his age and qualifications; whether suitable premises are available; if so, where; whether the present acting post-mistress applied for the position; and, if so, why she was not appointed.

Mr. Thomas F. Gray has been appointed subpost-master of Drumcondra Road subpostoffice. When applying for the appointment, Mr. Gray offered suitable premises in Lower Drumcondra Road near the present suboffice which he expected to be able to provide. It now transpires that he is unable to provide these premises and he is endeavouring to secure alternative premises in the area. It would be contrary to established practice to state the qualifications of any of the candidates.

What is the person's age?

64 years.

Is it a fact that the main qualification of the person appointed is that he is a Fianna Fáil city councillor, the chairman of the Fianna Fáil Party in Dublin North-Central? Further, is it a fact that the present acting subpostmistress is having the bit taken out of her mouth because she has in effect run this sub-post office for her predecessor for five years and now the Minister is moving the post office from the premises it has occupied in the past 30 years?

The Deputy said so much there that I could not follow half of it.

It is quite easy to follow.

A well-qualified man was appointed. He was selected by the Board and he had something which, to my mind, none of the others——

He is a Fianna Fáil city councillor.

He has a service record in this country.

Is the Minister aware that he is removing the post office from the premises in which it has been for the past 30 years and appointing a person who has no suitable premises? Furthermore, is it not normal Post Office practice to insist on a suitable premises being provided within a matter of weeks of the appointment? This man tried to bully the present tenant into giving him the office as a sub-tenant and she refused.

I cannot answer for the personal attacks which the Deputy is making on the person appointed but he will be able to answer for himself outside this House. I want to repeat that we have selected a well-qualified candidate and I defy contradiction on that. The person appointed has something which the Deputy never had.

I have as much to boast about as the Minister or any other member——

The applicant has a military service medal which I think is well worth recognition.

More political skulduggery.

Order. Question No. 54.

May I ask how long will this gentleman be given to find suitable premises and what will be the situation if he cannot find them?

I would be prepared to be very reasonable in any effort he might make to get suitable premises.

In view of the Minister's failure to answer this question satisfactorily, I propose to raise it on the adjournment.

I shall communicate with the Deputy.