asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if the attention of his Department has been called to the insanitary condition of the Ballintubber National School, County Roscommon, and its immediate surroundings; and, if so whether he will say what steps have been taken or are proposed to be taken to abate the conditions which are alleged to presently exist, and which would constitute a grave menace to the health of the pupils and teachers and the people of the district in general.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - INSANITARY CONDITION BALLINTUBBER N.S.
No representations on this subject appear to have been made to my Department.
If the Deputy will let me know the name of the Dispensary District in which the school is situate, I will call for a report from the local Medical Officer of Health, and I would then have any necessary action taken in the matter.
Mr. O'CONNELL
Is it the duty of his Department or of any people in his Department to make periodic inspection of the National Schools and find out what sanitary condition they are in, in view of the danger to public health?
I have reiterated very frequently in the Dáil that the present administration of public health services, particularly those services dealing with the preventive side of public health, are in a chaotic condition at the present time. Until I get some legislative measures through, it will be impossible to give the attention to this matter which it deserves.
In view of that fact, can the Minister say why the Local Government Bill has been postponed till the Autumn?
Principally because of the fact that I understood at the time that the Dáil was to adjourn early in July.
In view of the change in the programme will the Minister propose to re-introduce the Bill now?