asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state if the County Medical Officer of Health for County Meath employs a substitute to perform his official duties in his absence; and, if so, if he will state the name of the substitute and if his qualifications are such as would be looked for in a county medical officer of health.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Meath Medical Officers.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if there is an assistant county medical officer of health for County Meath; and, if so, if he will state his salary, and by whom it is paid.
I propose to answer questions No. 5 and No. 6 together. It is the local authority and not the county medical officer of health that employs a substitute during his annual leave or absence during illness. In the case in question the assistant county medical officer of health is required by the conditions governing his appointment to act for the county medical officer of health during such absences. Dr. Edward F. Drum, who is the assistant county medical officer of health, is on a salary scale of £550, rising to £650 per annum, which is paid by the Meath Board of Health and Public Assistance.
Is the Minister aware that the substitute in this case is paid by the local authority?
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the County Medical Officer of Health for Meath does not reside in the county; and, if so, if he will state whether he considers this advisable in view of the curtailment of petrol for even essential services.
The communications received in my Department from the county medical officer of health bear the address: Public Health Offices, Trim. I have no official knowledge of any other address.