asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that maternity nurses in the employment of local authorities purporting to act under instructions from their union are refusing to sign certificates requisite for claims for maternity benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts in the cases of mothers confined in the county home unless they are paid a fee of 5/- by the claimant, and whether he will take steps immediately to notify public authorities that all necessary steps must be at once taken to end this practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maternity Benefit Certificates.
Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. Boland) (for Minister for Local Government and Public Health)
I am not aware of any such practice. If any such cases have occurred I would be glad to have particulars for investigation.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I am to take it, then, that the Department would disapprove of such a practice if it existed, and if I bring particulars of individual cases under the Department's attention, they will direct the requisite certificates to issue?
Mr. Boland
If the Deputy submits particulars of any case of which he is aware, it will be investigated.