To ask the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the fact that the Vice-Guardians of Cork Union have persistently refused to obey the order of the Minister for Local Government to reinstate Nurse Denn, which order was conveyed to them on several occasions since July 29th last, he will order their removal from office, and direct the elected Board of Guardians to function forthwith.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - CORK GUARDIANS—REINSTATEMENT OF A NURSE.
RIOBARD O DEAGHAIDH
MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Mr. E. Blythe)
A letter was written by the Ministry to the Vice-Guardians of Cork Union on the 20th September, directing that Nurse Denn should be permitted to resume duty at once. It was subsequently learned from our Inspector in Cork that this letter had not been received by the Vice-Guardians. A copy of the letter was given to the Inspector on the 9th instant for personal delivery to the Vice-Guardians. Inquiry has been made by wire to Cork, and it is hoped to have information as to the matter in the course of the day. I am satisfied that the Vice-Guardians have not refused to obey the orders of the Ministry in this or any other matter. The following resolution was passed by the Board of Guardians of Cork Union on the 28th June last:—
"That we, the Board of Guardians, do hereby place on record our utmost confidence in the Vice-Guardians in their administration of the Union, and that we condemn every and any effort to misconstrue their actions and to cast suspicion on them."
Every care will be taken to ensure that the Vice-Guardians will not be permitted to remain in office longer than is necessary in the interest of efficient and economical administration.
RIOBARD O DEAGHAIDH
I would like to ask the Minister if it is proposed to surcharge the Vice-Guardians for the pay stopped from Miss Denn during the time she has not been allowed to resume?
Mr. BLYTHE
No.