asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he intends to readvertise the position of sub-postmaster for the new sub-post office at Kilnamanagh shopping centre, Tallaght, County Dublin.

15.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the steps he is taking to secure a sub-postmaster for the approved post office at Kilnamanagh, Tallaght, County Dublin; and if he is aware of the urgent need for a post office there.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.

The vacancy for postmaster at Kilnamanagh was readvertised from 4 November to 20 November 1981. If a suitable candidate is forthcoming an appointment will be made at an early date.

Are there applicants at present?

Yes.

How many?

When is a decision likely on this matter, having regard to the fact that there are 4,000 people in this estate who need this facility urgently?

The position was advertised in September 1980 and a canvass of the Kilnamanagh shopping area was carried out. One application was received on that occasion. The applicant was interviewed but his premises were not adequate. Since he was unable to provide a larger area or more suitable alternative accommodation for the sub-post office, he withdrew his application. The matter was re-advertised and the position will be settled as soon as possible.

How many applications are there from the present advertisement?

One application was received before closing time and arrangements have been made to interview that candidate.

When will that be done?

An appointment will be made as early as is possible. The candidate will have to be assessed as regards his financial position, suitability of premises and so on. This will take time. I assure the Deputy the matter will not be delayed.

Will the Minister assure me that, in the event of this applicant proving unsuitable, the post will immediately be re-advertised and a serious effort made to provide this facility, which is urgently needed?

I will give the Deputy the official guarantee that immediately Question Time is over I will instruct the officials of the Department to call in this applicant and have the matter dealt with as quickly as possible.

That is much better than sympathy.

Is the present applicant the same person who applied previously but offering different premises?

There is no such information in my file. The first applicant withdrew. There is no indication that it is the same applicant although the Deputy could be correct.

It is my information——

The Deputy must ask a question——

Is the Minister of State aware that there are very few premises which would be suitable for a post office and that the previous applicant, who applied in 1980, was willing to provide the premises and made a planning application but he was refused. It was an extension to the existing shopping area. Could the Minister use his good offices to ensure that a similar planning application would be favourably received by the local authorities in future?

I will give instructions to have my officials invite the applicant to the Department tomorrow if possible.

Will the Minister make representations to the local authorities to make sure the planning permission is granted?

Why not?

We want a post office in Kilnamanagh.

I have called Question No. 16.