asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the Portlaoighise Mental Hospital have recently employed a "handy man" to do mason's and plasterer's work at a rate of pay below the recognised district rate for masons and plasterers, and whether he will remind the Committee of the hospital of the desirability of observing in cases of direct employment the spirit of the "Fair Wages Clause" that local authorities are expected to include in their contracts.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - REPAIRS AT PORTLAOIGHISE MENTAL HOSPITAL.
The temporary employment of tradesmen in mental hospitals is a matter which rests solely with the Committees of Management. I understand that a man recently engaged to do certain repairs at Portlaoighise Mental Hospital resigned, stating that he could not continue his work owing to threats he had received. The Committee are to consider the matter at their next meeting.