§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)To ask the Postmaster-General if the auxiliary postmen's class in Dublin is a permanent force, and if he will issue instructions that in case of vacancies on this class ex-telegraph messengers should receive the preference, provided their health and character is good; if he is aware that an ex-telegraph messenger named James Keenan, who was performing duty at the James's Street district office, Dublin, has been dismissed for no other reason than to make room for a man (apparently a friend of the inspector) who has no claim whatever to the position; that Keenan was capable of performing the duty satisfactorily, while the man who replaced him is unable to do so without assistance; and that the placing of an incapable man on the duty throws extra work and pressure on the other men; and if, in the interest of the service, he will cause Keenan to be reinstated.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The auxiliary postmen in Dublin are not a permanent force in the sense that any member of it has a claim to permanent employment. I am considering whether it is advisable to employ ex-telegraph messengers as auxiliaries. The circumstances of Keenan's case are not accurately stated in the Question. The man who replaced Keenan had been 59 longer employed and had a stronger claim than Keenan; and he is reported to be thoroughly competent to perform the duty. I regret that I am unable to reinstate Keenan.