asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state how long the post of dispensary doctor for the Tourmakeady district of County Mayo has been vacant; when it is proposed to make a permanent appointment to that position, and what has occasioned the delay in so doing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Vacancy in Tourmakeady.
The post of medical officer of the Ballinrobe No. 2 (Cappaghduff) Dispensary District, which includes the Tourmakeady area, has been filled by a temporary medical officer since the 1st January, 1942. The delay in making a permanent appointment was occasioned, firstly, by the former Mayo Board of Health and Public Assistance adjourning consideration of the filling of the vacancy from January to August, 1942; secondly, by the coming into operation in August, 1942, of the Local Government Act, 1941. Under that Act the statutory procedure for determining the qualifications for the post of dispensary medical officer was changed. These qualifications, including the number of years' experience required of candidates, had to be determined in conjunction with the Local Appointments Commissioners. In the meantime, a number of similar posts in the Gaeltacht became vacant, and it was decided by the Local Appointments Commissioners to set up an interview board to interview the candidates for all the vacant posts in Gaeltacht districts. Owing to the fact that some of those invited to act on the interview board were unable to act, the date originally proposed for the meeting of the board had to be deferred. The interview board is at present in session. The recommendations for the filling of the permanent post should be made early next month.
Is the Minister aware that the permanent post has been vacant for nearly four years and that there is a residence there which has not been occupied during all that period? Will he expedite the matter, so that a permanent resident officer will be posted to that area?
My information is that the post is being filled by an officer acting in a temporary capacity since the 1st of January, 1942. As my reply indicates, we hope to be in a position to fill this and a number of other Gaeltacht vacancies in the course of the next month.
These are only temporary officers, while I ask for a permanent one. There is a lot of difference.