asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that it is quite a common occurrence for persons recovering from scarlatina and other infectious diseases to attend places of public amusement, such as race meetings and cinemas; if he will state whether the doctor in attendance has the power absolutely to prohibit his patients from broadcasting disease in this manner; and if so, whether the Minister will give directions that these orders are rigorously enforced.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
The suggestion that the attendance of persons at public entertainments in the convalescent stages of infectious disease is quite common can hardly be accepted. The precautionary advice which a medical attendant may give to a patient is a matter of professional discretion, and is not legally enforceable beyond the general provision contained in Section 142 of the Public Health Act, 1878, that a person who while suffering from a dangerous infectious disorder wilfully exposes himself without proper precautions against spreading the said disorder in any street, public place, shop, or in a public conveyance becomes liable to a penalty not exceeding £5.
Mr. WOLFE
Arising out of that answer, I can assure the Minister it is far from being uncommon. A couple of cases have been brought to my notice recently of very disastrous results from this. I would like to ask the Minister if there is any way of meting out punishment to people who, with infectious diseases in their houses, deliberately attend public meetings. Is there any way of bringing them to a sense of their wrong-doing?
Apparently, judging from the reply I have read, it can only be done by a fine of £5.