Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 1940

Vol. 81 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Treatment of Tuberculosis in Dublin.

Mr. Byrne

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if his attention has been drawn to the report of the meeting of the Dublin Corporation at which it was stated that 69 persons suffering from tuberculosis were without sanatorium accommodation, and if, further, he will state the cause of the delay in sanctioning the corporation proposals for the provision of buildings, treatment and equipment for the sufferers.

As regards the first part of the question, I have only seen a reference to the matter in the public Press. As regards the latter part of the question, it was intimated to the corporation on the 7th ultimo that in view of the commitments of the Hospitals Trust Fund the total accommodation in the new sanatorium for early cases of tuberculosis should be limited to 300 beds, which was the number originally agreed upon with the corporation after consultation with their medical adviser, but that the planning of the institution should be designed in such a way as to be capable of extension at a later date if necessary. Since then I have received further representations from the corporation for the provision of accommodation up to 350 beds. For the reasons already communicated to the corporation I intimated on the 5th instant that I cannot agree to any provision at present in excess of 300 beds, and that if the course already suggested to the corporation is not adopted I would be unable to give further consideration to the proposal being proceeded with at present.

Mr. Byrne

In the meantime, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary will he not provide temporary accommodation for the new number? I think I have mentioned 69 in my question, but I understand that there are 200 patients waiting for tuberculosis treatment. Would the Parliamentary Secretary not sanction the renting of temporary accommodation, because I understand that he is aware of the fact that it will take at least two years to provide the building that has been referred to? Will he permit the taking of these 200 sufferers into a temporary building and give the necessary sanction for doing so?

I should be quite prepared to have such a proposal examined, but I think the Deputy will appreciate the difficulties that might arise: first, as to the cost of the temporary buildings, and, secondly, as to their suitability for the purpose, and, again, as much time might be lost in the provision of temporary structures, that might ultimately not be available for any other useful purpose, as would probably provide the permanent institution.

Mr. Byrne

Am I to understand, then, that the 200 tuberculosis patients in the City of Dublin are to wait two or three years more until the new building is ready? This is a matter of grave national importance, and I think that a committee of this House should wait upon the Minister with a view to putting the situation before him, since this is a very serious matter.

The Minister is well aware of the seriousness of the position.

Mr. Byrne

Well, then, what are you going to do about it?

If the corporation had acted on the Minister's suggestion to adopt plans for a 300-bed institution, instead of insisting at this particular stage on a 350-bed institution, we would be well on the way at the present, time towards providing that institution with 300 beds.

Mr. Byrne

But the 350-bed institution has been recommended by the experts in the City of Dublin.

The Deputy may not make a speech at question time.

Mr. Byrne

May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he is aware that the original proposal—his proposal— would only increase the accommodation for tubercular patients by 90, and the corporation asked for an extra 50 because they had that number on their waiting list? Again, I think that, in this grave matter, the city and county has a claim on the members of this House to send a committee to wait on the Minister.

The Deputy seemingly desires to make another speech.

Top
Share