asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has conferred with the Council of the Women's National Health Association in connection with the proposed closing of Peamount Industries; whether they have presented to him memoranda and information and have expressed their willingness that an inquiry be made; and, in the event of this being the case whether he is prepared to investigate the whole position of this very valuable health service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Peamount Industries.
Mr. Alfred Byrne
I have had a conference with the president of the Women's National Health Association and the chairman of the Peamount Committee of Management. The history of the Peamount Industries since the inception of the scheme was discussed as were also the matters which led up to the decision of the association to close down these industries.
I am satisfied that the association through the Peamount Committee of Management have done their utmost to maintain the industries, and from what I have learnt of the experience of the association over the past nine years in endeavouring to maintain these industries as part of a colony for ex-patients in this country, I am satisfied that a formal inquiry or investigation into the decision of the association would not be justified in the circumstances.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister prepared to leave the matter as it stands, or has he any proposal for the continuation of the industries?
The matter is entirely one for the Women's National Health Association and the Peamount Committee.
Mr. Byrne
In view of the unsatisfactory reply, I desire to give notice that with your permission, Sir, I will raise this matter on the adjournment.