asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will make a statement on the appointment of head postmasters in Athlone, County Westmeath, and Portlaoise, County Laois; if normal procedures were followed in both cases; and if the persons recommended were appointed.

The claims and qualifications of all applicants were considered in accordance with normal practice and the applicant regarded as the most suitable was appointed in each case.

May I ask the Minister if the No. 1 person recommended was appointed by him?

The recommendations come to the Minister of State, who happens to be myself, and the candidate most suitable in each case was appointed.

I am asking a straightforward question. Did the Minister appoint No. 1, 2 or 3 in Athlone and No. 1, 2 or 3 in Portlaoise? Furthermore, if he goes back over the files he will find that when I was Minister——

The Deputy must ask a question.

Did the Minister appoint No. 1 in Athlone and No. 1 in Portlaoise? Yes or no?

As I have already stated, the people most suited in each case were appointed.

May I allege that the Minister did not appoint No. 1 in Athlone and No. 1 in Portlaoise?

The Deputy may say anything he likes. He does not have to prove it while he is in here.

The Minister is admitting the situation. I wish to raise on the Adjournment the unsatisfactory reply to this question.

The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.