asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the Longford County Council has refused to strike a rate towards the support of a tuberculosis scheme for that county, and if, in view of the fact that there were forty-nine deaths from tuberculosis in County Longford in 1925, and over four hundred persons undergoing treatment in various stages of this disease, he will state what steps will be taken to provide treatment for those persons who have developed this disease in County Longford.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - TUBERCULOSIS IN COUNTY LONGFORD.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is to be regretted that this Council have not seen their way to fall into line with the Councils of other counties in the adoption of means to combat tuberculosis. Communications have been addressed to the Council pointing out the necessity of adopting a scheme for the treatment of tuberculosis and drawing attention to the mortality from and incidence of the disease. It has also been fully explained that one-half of the net cost of such scheme would be recouped from the National Tuberculosis Grant voted annually by the Dáil. An allocation of £1,434 was also promised in aid of capital expenditure in respect of the provision of institutional accommodation for advanced cases of the disease. So far my efforts have not met with success. It is optional with the County Council to adopt the provisions of the Tuberculosis Acts.
If the Longford County Council decide to ignore the representations made to them by the Minister in this connection, will he take steps to compel them to strike a rate for the treatment of tuberculosis? If the Minister has not any machinery at his disposal which would enable him to compel them to do so, will he take steps to procure such machinery?
I have no legal power to do so.
Has the Minister legal power to dissolve the Council and to appoint a Commissioner?
That would be a very serious step.
Will the Minister look for legal power?
That is a very big question.